Japanese born, Tomoko, has commenced work with a Child Care Centre in Southern Adelaide following her involvement with the Department of State Development funded, Plus One Cadre program.
Kathleen Mellor Kindergarten director, Anne Willis presents Tomoko (centre) with a Thank-you gift from the staff and students.
Tomoko registered her interest with Career Partners Plus following an information session at Woodcroft Public Library. Having trained as a Kindergarten teacher in Japan, Tomoko has applied to have her qualifications recognised in Australia, with the ultimate goal of teaching in a South Australian Pre-School.
During the Plus One Cadre program, Tomoko, had the opportunity to develop her career vision and to work on her self-marketing. This included developing a; winning resume, elevator speech, cover letter using the STAR approach and interview skills.
“During the course, I learned that I needed to think of myself as a product and that I needed to “sell” my skills, experience and attributes to an employer”, she said.
The staff at Career Partners Plus organised for Tomoko to do a work placement at Kathleen Mellor Kindergarten in Tea Tree Gully. Kindergarten director, Anne Willis said that Tomoko very quickly became an asset to the Kindergarten and worked well with the children. “It was so nice to have Tomoko here and we were able to blend her Japanese heritage into some valuable learning experiences for the children”, she said. On her final placement day, Tomoko worked with the children to make Sushi for a shared lunch, which was enjoyed by all.
Having accessed the services of Career Partners Plus had a positive impact on Tomoko’s job search. “Everyone was so helpful and supportive. I enjoyed all of the training and really loved the placement at the Kindergarten”, she said. “As English is not my first language, I needed some support for my confidence and some local connections. I got both from the program and am very thankful for that”.
Tomoko has commenced part-time employment as a Child Care Assistant at a centre near her home. She plans to continue to pursue the process to have her Japanese qualifications recognised in Australia and would ultimately like to secure a position as a Pre-School Teacher.
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