Ms Barnes, 31, of Blakehurst, was referred to the Pole Depot just over a year ago to gain work experience under the former Work For the Dole scheme.

"I'd had some personal problems and needed to get back on my feet,'' she said.

While there she was asked to help staff with the centre's Before and After School Care program and soon discovered that she liked working with children.

"I wanted to get to know how to work with kids,'' she said.

"I liked the interaction.

"The whole time I was working I was pregnant.

"I wanted to make sure I did the right thing by my child.''

The staff at the Pole Depot were impressed by her enthusiasm and decided to put her through a course.

She completed a Certificate III in Children's Services and a first aid certificate with Southern Solutions.

During this time, she gave birth to daughter Dekoda, now eight months.

"I had a week off and then completed my certificate,'' she said.

"It was a bit of a challenge but it also brought a lot of insight into caring for kids.''

Ms Barnes said she enjoyed her time working at the Pole Depot.

"It was a family atmosphere and very welcoming,'' she said.

"I didn't expect to find that type of support.

"They were very supportive, not judgmental.''

Ms Barnes is caring full-time for Dekoda.

When her daughter is older, she hopes to put her childcare studies to good use.

"I would like to be there for the kids when the parents can't be there,'' she said.

The Pole Depot, which marked 30 years of community service last year, carries out training programs in a number of sectors, including childcare and aged care.

The centre is recruiting trainees for aged care workers who deal with people for whom English is a second language.

Details: The Pole Depot, 9580 0688.