Training For You graduate now at Bee Kids Childcare Centre in Marton

April Gleeson at Bee Kids Childcare Centre in Marton where she works as a teaching assistant. Photo / Karen Hughes

At the Bee Kids Childcare Centre in Marton, an enormous rabbit jumping around the back yard is just one of the joys of work for April Gleeson.

The rabbit, aptly named Peter, is free to roam around during the day until he gets tucked into bed each night.

Catching him to do this is probably Gleeson's biggest daily challenge, but it all adds to the enjoyment of her new role.

In early 2017, Gleeson was considering nursing, vet nursing or childcare as career options.

She was looking for a six-month study option when she discovered the working with children level three programme at Training For You.

Gleeson, 20, started the programme with the mid-year intake and immediately knew she had chosen the right path.

"It was just fun and it was really helpful.

"Doing the course helped me to understand a lot more, to learn what kids can learn, how they learn and how they develop."

For the programme's practical work experience component, Gleeson was based at Bee Kids.

"In most centres, they separate the babies from the older children, but here, they are all together.

"It's cool because you get to see the babies learn off the older ones, they are really good role models for the younger ones with their behaviour … usually."

Gleeson graduated from Training For You in December 2017, gaining the national certificate in early childhood education.

"My tutor was really helpful, if I was ever stuck or the class was ever stuck, she would always jump straight to it and help out.

"She always went out of her way to help us, so that was awesome, she was a good tutor."

After graduation, Gleeson secured a permanent role with Bee Kids as a teaching assistant and contacted her Training For You tutor, Michaela Newman, to share the news.

"I was delighted and not at all surprised that April had been offered a role at Bee Kids," Newman said.

"During her placement visits she was a wonderful ambassador of Training For You and seemed a natural fit in the teaching team."

Gleeson is contemplating studying the New Zealand diploma in early childhood education and care alongside her work at Bee Kids.