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Dylan Kimlin’s journey from unemployment to teacher

27 February 2019
Jobs, Land and Economy
A man in blue shirt with white dots stands next to a white board.

Several years ago, a then unemployed Dylan Kimlin stumbled upon the Replay Group. It supported him to gain qualifications and a job in childcare. Now he helps other Indigenous people gain their childcare qualifications.

Several years ago Arrernte man Dylan Kimlin was unemployed, living in Brisbane, and struggling to find a job. This was in spite of his enthusiasm and past experience in a range of industries.

Dylan, who was originally from Alice Springs, then stumbled upon the Replay Group via an internet search engine.

‘I was very lucky because within minutes of sending them an email I received a phone call from them,’ Dylan said.

‘I was passionate in learning about children’s development at that stage and the experienced staff helped me get a job in a child care centre and start learning about the industry within a month.’

Dylan worked in childcare for several years at the same centre after finishing his Certificate 3 in Childcare through Replay.

When he received a job offer from Replay to teach other Aboriginal students, it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.  He now teaches the Certificate 3 course himself.

‘I have aided over 100 students to get a job in the industry and I personally taught them to become successful educators,’ Dylan said.

‘I am very proud of my students and know each and every one of them on a personal basis because that is how I feel teaching should be.’

During his time with Replay, both as a student and teacher, he has gained many qualifications. They include a Certificate 3 in Childcare, a Diploma in Childcare and also a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment.

He has also gained confidence to lead and mentor Indigenous people so that they can succeed in their courses.

Dylan also has goals for himself.

‘I might consider gaining a degree in children’s behaviour or even look at starting my own Registered Training Organisation,' Dylan said.

'But I feel I need to learn much more before I really make a move towards either.

‘I would recommend the Replay Group to Indigenous people who are interested in childcare. I mean anyone. I have taught people who range from having learning difficulties to financial restraints. I feel that education should be given to everyone and I am happy to provide it.’

Find out more

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Tailored Assistance Employment Grants program funds the Replay Group to train and place 350 Indigenous jobseekers in employment.

This is specifically into the Early Childhood Education and Care or Individual Support (Disability and Aged Care) sectors whilst they complete a Certificate III, IV or Diploma qualification.