NSW Training Awards: Early Childhood Education and Care - Trainee Of The Year 2024

Trainee Of The Year 2024 

Lachlan Carey – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care 

Newcastle’s A Magical Time Children's Centre.

Facing his fair share of challenges, Lachlan has been inspired to pay forward the guidance he’s received along the way by enrolling in a Certificate III in Early Childhood and Care.  

“There have been people who made a difference in my life by supporting me through my physical and mental health challenges,” he says.

“Without them, I’m not actually sure where I would be today.”  

Suffering two strokes in year 10 that required multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery times, Lachlan was unable to return to school.

He initially started an electrical apprenticeship but then changed to early childhood education and care to pursue the passion for educating kids he’d discovered as a rugby coach.   
  
As someone with dyslexia who also suffers from the after-effects of strokes, Lachlan found the pace and style of learning game changing.  

“My VET training was perfect for me,” he says.

“The course requirements were clear, and I could link the theory and the practical together to gain confidence in my studies.” 

It was, in fact, Lachlan’s more trying experiences that influenced his compassionate approach as an educator.

Building connections with the children, he has been a particularly positive influence on the little ones needing additional nurturing.

“I know what it’s like to experience challenges, setbacks and trauma,” he says.

“If I can be a role model and make a difference for a child, then this is where I want to be.”  

Learning to tailor his communication techniques for the different audiences he interacted with daily, Lachlan developed an innate ability to build trust.

Introducing his existing skills around self-regulating techniques and coaching, he has carved out his own style as an educator that draws great respect from his colleagues – he’s even taken on a mentor role himself.   

His sensitive and inclusive mindset extends beyond his young charges, informing the type of world he hopes they grow up in.

He continually advocates for Indigenous communities and undertakes additional work experience at Kulai Aboriginal Preschool to embed culturally appropriate storytelling at his own centre.  

Listing completing his traineeship as one of his greatest achievements, he’s now pursuing a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Lachlan hopes his success can inspire others to consider stepping into various industries.

“I’d love to encourage more males to join the childcare industry and show that men in female-dominated industries and women in male-dominated industries have a special kind of value,” he says.