With the early childhood education and care industry expected to experience one of the largest education sector job increases over the next two yearsi, an Orange resident is taking advantage of the boom by enlisting the study options and incentives available at TAFE NSW. 

Tracy Lei and her family moved from China to Orange two years ago for a lifestyle change. After working as a Chinese interpreter and learning more about Australian education, a career switch to educating young children appealed to her.  

Ms Lei enrolled in a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Orange and has applied for a Commonwealth Government Destination Australia Scholarship to assist with her study and living expenses. 

“Since moving to Australia, I’ve developed an interest in helping children and having a young family has opened my eyes to the importance of educating children from a young age,” Ms Lei said. 

“I heard about the $15,000 Destination Australia Scholarships available to those who move to the country and it helped me decide to change my career to something I am passionate about. 

“I’m looking forward to learning more about the Australian early childhood education and care sector, industry regulations, how to run a classroom and create lesson plans. I’d encourage others who are thinking about a career change to take advantage of the support and study opportunities available at TAFE NSW.” 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care, Susan Bird, said TAFE NSW is supporting the Commonwealth Government’s initiative because it is a fantastic way to showcase the region and equips students with the job-ready skills to be successful in an industry that employs the largest number of people in the Central West.i 

“A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care equips students with the hands-on skills and experience that employers are looking for,” Ms Bird said.  

“The Destination Australia Scholarships for 2021 are now open and applications will close on 8 November 2020.” 

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education will commence at TAFE NSW Orange in semester one 2021. 

For more information on the Destination Australia Scholarships, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/international/scholarships/DestinationAustralia or phone 131 601 for more information. 

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515. 

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i TAFE NSW Regional Strategy report. Health, wellbeing and community services.