Young childcare trainee overcomes health challenges to chase dream job

Celiac disease. Gastritis. Emergency surgery. A back injury. An ADHD diagnosis.

For most people, any one of these challenges would have been enough to derail their career plans. But for Jamie Cekanauskas, a young childcare trainee, they became obstacles to push through rather than reasons to quit.

“I was determined to get it done, I had a goal I was working towards and wanted to focus more on my goal than what was going on with me,” she said.

Supported throughout by Mas National (part of the IntoWork Group) Jamie has continued to pursue her childhood dream of educating young minds — and is now thriving with her sights firmly set on becoming a Lead Educator.

Jamie’s passion for childcare began at eight-years old when her little brother was born. She loved caring for him and soon became the designated babysitter at family gatherings. This spark stayed with her and guided her toward completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education while still in high school.

In April 2024, she commenced her first traineeship. The transition from school to full‑time training felt daunting, but the support from Mas National – particularly Apprenticeship Consultant Kimberlee Hassan and Mentor Jade Foote – helped her settle in with confidence.

During her first year, Jamie received two significant diagnoses: Celiac disease and Gastritis. Working in childcare meant constant exposure to flour‑based materials like Play-Doh, triggering severe reactions, “It was a really hard adjustment for me because 18 years of eating everything I liked to then just not being able to eat anything was very sad,” she said.

Despite surgery, ongoing illness and the challenge of studying through it all, she continued pushing forward.

“Don’t overthink it, and if you’re passionate about it and you enjoy it, then it’s definitely worth the study and the training,” Jamie said.

Mas National worked closely with Jamie and her RTO to ensure assessments, extensions and training supports were in place. Their reassurance, flexibility and regular check‑ins were instrumental.

Near the end of her first traineeship, Jamie suffered a back injury that prompted her to reassess her path. After completing her Certificate III, she made the difficult decision to change employers and begin a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

To her relief, her new sign‑up was handled once again by Kimberlee, and she was reconnected with Jade for mentoring support.

During this time Jamie also received an ADHD diagnosis, making her eligible for additional assistance through the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) program. Mas National guided her through the application, coordinated with Jamie’s Registered Training Organisation, and arranged tailored study support — something Jamie says made a huge difference.

“It’s a lot of challenges now obviously with my health and everything, and that’s why this extra support has come in very handy. Just knowing there is a lot of reassurance and letting me know I’ve got the flexibility and there’s extra support when I need it has been very helpful,” Jamie said.

Kimberlee Hassan, Jamie’s Apprenticeship Consultant, said Jamie’s resilience has been truly inspiring to witness. “Despite facing multiple health challenges that would understandably cause many to pause or reconsider their path, she has remained steadfast in pursuing her passion for early childhood education. We’re incredibly proud to support Jamie on this journey,” Kimberlee said.

Now four months into her Diploma and expected to complete in February next year, Jamie is thriving. With medical management, workplace adjustments and focused mentoring, she’s found new confidence in her studies and her future.

She dreams of becoming a Lead Educator and is already considering long‑term pathways such as Centre Director or Early Childhood Teacher.