Natalie has just completed a one-semester internship with the IEU, and is close to completing her early childhood education degree at the University of Western Sydney.
During her time with the IEU Natalie, 20, has explored ways in which the Union can communicate with the early childhood sector, and she has developed a poster, Facebook page and a series of leaflets about the Union in several languages, including Chinese and Japanese.
Natalie has completed two placements at a long day care centre in Penrith, but for her final internship she wanted to do something different and the IEU “looked interesting”.
“The main thing I’ve learnt is that unions are really important in providing professional support which ultimately impacts on centres and the children in those centres,” Natalie said.
“You need something that starts from the top and works its way down to the children.”
Natalie said she has always wanted to work with young children since she was a young child herself, because “you can make a really big impact on their lives”.
She is looking forward to “hands-on” involvement with children after graduation next year.
Natalie is the third UWS student to do an internship with the IEU.