From Aged Care to Early Education: How Laura Built a Career at G8 Education
For Laura, caring for others has never just been a job, it’s been a constant thread throughout her life. After spending 11 years working as an assistant nurse in aged care, Laura made a career change that felt both new and familiar, moving into early childhood education at G8 Education.
“I’ve always been a big carer,” Laura explains. “Aged care and childcare are at opposite ends of the age spectrum, but the heart of the work is the same - helping, supporting, and making a difference in their lives.”
What made the decision easier wasn’t just a passion for children, but a shared sense of purpose that made early learning feel like the right next step.
Different path, same purpose
Before joining Kindy Patch Grovely in Queensland, Laura worked in aged care for more than a decade. The work was meaningful, but she had always felt drawn to working with children. That opportunity presented itself naturally when her own children began attending Kindy Patch Grovely.
“My son started here at the centre when he was four months old, and my daughter was about 18 months,” Laura shares. “Seeing the care they took of my children and the relationships they formed every day made me realise this was something I wanted to be a part of.”
What stood out wasn’t just the quality of care, it was the way the educators supported children as individuals, creating a safe, nurturing environment where they could grow with confidence.
From trusting the centre… to becoming part of it
Laura’s journey from parent to educator began with a simple conversation. After seeing firsthand how the centre cared for her children, she reached out to the Centre Manager to explore a role as a trainee Educator.
Through G8 Education’s Study Pathways program, Laura was able to train while working, completing her Certificate III and Diploma with ongoing guidance and encouragement. Rather than feeling like she was “starting over,” Laura discovered that her experience in aged care translated seamlessly into early learning.
“You’re still caring, still supporting, still helping people through important stages of life, just in a different way.”
Three years on, Laura is now a Lead Educator, having grown both professionally and personally along the way. For many people who change careers, the biggest concern is whether they’ll be supported through the transition. For Laura, that support made all the difference.
“My Centre Manager has been amazing - she’s always helped and guided me, and she always wants more for me,” Laura says.
That encouragement has helped Laura build confidence, develop leadership skills, and imagine possibilities she hadn’t previously considered - including one day completing her Bachelor’s Degree.
When career and family come full circle
Laura’s connection to Kindy Patch goes far beyond her own role. Both of her children attended the centre when they were very young, making it a place her family has trusted for years.
Now, that journey has come full circle. Laura’s daughter, now 16, is completing a school-based traineeship in early learning at the very same centre where Laura began her own traineeship.
“It was such a big part of their upbringing. Seeing my daughter now following her dream in childcare, at the same place I started, is really special.”
It’s a powerful example of how a supportive, values-led environment doesn’t just influence educators - it influences families and future careers too.
Laura's daughter Hannah attending childcare -> Hannah working at that same childcare as an adult
Why trust matters
When asked how she would describe G8 Education and Kindy Patch Grovely, Laura’s answer is simple and heartfelt.
“It’s a place I trusted with my own children, and I still would send them there today”.
For Laura, that trust is what made her career change possible. It’s also what makes her confident in encouraging others to consider early learning as a career.
“If you’re thinking about a career change, my advice is to just do it. You won’t regret it.”
At G8 Education, careers aren’t about starting from scratch. They’re about bringing your experience and growing from there.
Laura with her Centre Manager Mystique, being recognised as a finalist for trainee of the year 2025
If you’re considering a move into early learning, Laura’s story shows you don’t have to start from scratch - you can build on the skills you already have. Find out more about how G8 Education can support you, click here for more information.
