The Introduction to Early Childhood is a six-week short course is being offered fee-free under JobTrainer and aimed at giving locals an overview of the early childhood education and care sector.
According to the TAFE NSW Jobs of the Future report, “early childhood teacher” was projected to be fastest growing profession in the Riverina between 2018 and 2021.
TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care Bobbie Whittaker said that trend was likely to continue.
“The industry is in desperate need of more educators and it’s a great way to find almost guaranteed work,” Ms Whittaker said.
“It’s such a richly rewarding profession, and you’re able to make a real difference in a young child’s life.
“We know how critical those years between birth and five-years-old are.
“So many things we do in life as capable, independent adults are set up in those early childhood years.”
Ms Whittaker said the course would be delivered by connected learning, allowing students to attend classes virtually wherever it best suited them.
Units covered in the course count towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Ms Whittaker said, which is the minimum qualification needed to work in the industry.
TAFE NSW childcare graduate Amelia Ellevsen said becoming an early childhood educator was the best decision of her life and credited TAFE NSW with giving her the practical experience and skills to make a running start into the industry.
“I actually love the job more than I even thought I would,” Ms Ellevsen said.
“You get so much out of helping the children learn new things and knowing you’re a part of it.
“My TAFE NSW course was really hands-on, and my teacher was happy to spend one-on-one time with me, even if it was after hours.”
Ms Ellevsen secured work with Australia’s largest early learning provider, Goodstart, while still completing her TAFE NSW studies.
To find out more about studying the Introduction to Early Childhood at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
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