From Trainee to Area Manager: Jess’ 16-Year Career Journey in Early Childhood Education.
Sixteen years ago, Jess walked into an interview for a traineeship in early childhood education as a young mum looking for a career working with children.
Today, she’s an Area Manager with G8 Education, supporting multiple centres and the educators within them.
Her journey from trainee to leader wasn’t built on a rigid career plan, it grew through opportunity, supportive leaders who saw her potential, and a team culture that encourages people to step forward and grow.
“I’d always wanted to work with children, but I wasn’t really sure exactly where I wanted to work or what I wanted to do,” Jess says. “Then I had my first daughter and saw a traineeship role advertised at a childcare centre close to where I lived and thought, right, that’s where I want to work.”
Over the past 16 years, Jess has progressed through multiple roles, from Assistant Educator to Centre Manager, and now Area Manager overseeing 8 centres, while helping others grow into leadership positions along the way. Her journey from trainee to leader highlights how careers in early education can grow over time with the right support.
A Career That Grew Alongside Her Family
Jess started her career as a trainee before the centre joined the G8 Education network in 2011. What began as an opportunity to enter the sector, quickly became something more meaningful.
“I came in for an interview and the centre manager took a chance on me,” she says. “Two weeks later I started in the role.”
Over the years, Jess’ connection to G8 Education grew both professionally and personally. She now has three children, all of whom attended G8 Education centres.
“The care, the love and the overall support that G8 Education provides, not just to my children but to us as a family, is incredible. I could never imagine working anywhere else.”
Growing Through Opportunity
Jess spent several years working as an educator at a different centre before moving to Great Beginnings Marsden Park when the centre opened closer to her home.
From there, her career naturally evolved - first into a Lead Educator role, then Community Manager, where she helped strengthen relationships with local families and organisations.
“It was about setting up community events and networking with the community to see what we could bring into the centre to enrich our experiences for our children,” Jess explains.
She later stepped into an Assistant Centre Manager role, gaining leadership experience, while continuing to support her team.
Stepping Up for Her Team
Although Jess had developed into a leader, she initially hesitated when she was asked to become the Centre Manager permanently.
“I said no for almost two years,” she says. “I really wanted to work in the rooms with the children.”
But when the centre began searching externally for a leader, Jess realised how important it was to protect the culture and stability her team had helped to build.
Jess stepped into the Centre Manager role, and under her leadership, the centre went on to become one of G8 Education’s top performing centres in New South Wales for two consecutive years.
“My team just thrived,” she says. “They’re honestly the best team I’ve ever worked with. The passion that comes from them for early education was just phenomenal, and l could not be more proud of them”
Support That Builds Leaders
When Jess’ Area Manager left, she stepped up to help out, without the intention of taking the role permanently. Jess was then approached by her Regional Manager about stepping into the role, and initially she was hesitant about taking the opportunity.
“I didn’t think that I was knowledgeable enough,” she says.
What changed her mind was the encouragement from leaders around her and the strong support network within the organisation.
“They really showed me that there is a lot of support out there,” Jess says. “That belief that the company had in me was the reason I accepted the opportunity.”
Today, she continues to value the collaborative culture across G8 Education’s leadership teams alongside the connections she makes and the support she is given every day.
“There is always someone who can answer a question,” she says. “No question is too silly - you never feel alone.”
Creating Opportunities for Others
For Jess, one of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing her team grow and develop.
When she stepped into her Area Manager role, her centre promoted from within. The Assistant Centre Manager moved into the Centre Manager role, while an Early Childhood Teacher stepped into the Assistant Centre Manager position.
“We looked internally, and the best person for the job was already at the centre. There’s definitely room to grow and develop.”
A Passion That Still Drives Her
While Jess’ role has changed over the years, her passion for early learning remains the same.
“I have a really big passion for children’s learning and development,” she says. “It drives my commitment to supporting teams to create safe, enriching environments that foster imagination, creativity and confidence.”
From Trainee to Area Manager, Jess’ journey reflects what can happen when people are supported to grow and when leaders invest in the people around them.
At G8 Education, we believe great educators deserve the opportunity to grow. Whether it’s stepping into leadership, developing new skills, or finding a centre that feels like home, we’re here to support your career every step of the way.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in children’s lives, explore our current roles and apply to join the G8 Education team today.
