A Uralla childcare educator who is taking advantage of the job opportunities in the local industry by studying at TAFE NSW Armidale has encouraged others to consider a career in caring.

According to the Australian Government Jobs Outlook, an extra 11,00 early childhood educators nationwide are needed to fill jobs from now until 2026. A report by Mitchell University of Victoria also identifies Armidale and surrounding areas as a childcare desert with three children vying for one place of care at a centre.

Abby Endacott is completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Tamworth and is undertaking a traineeship at local center TG’S Uralla.

She urged others to consider a career in an industry where jobs are abundant, and the work is “extremely rewarding”.

“I would recommend it to anyone who wants a rewarding, challenging job and one you can be passionate about,” she said.

“Ultimately, you’re helping children learn and grow, you’re shaping their future.”

Ms Endacott, who admits she didn’t adapt well to the high school environment, said she thrived in the more adult learning environment of TAFE NSW.

“TAFE NSW offers a far more flexible and warmer environment than high school,” she said. “The teachers all have great industry experience, and you just feel like you belong there.”

Manager of TG’S Services Meg Barnden-Hyde said TAFE NSW was an ideal training ground for childcare educators.

“I completed my training with TAFE NSW and it was fantastic,” Ms Barnden-Hyde said. “The graduates I’ve hired from TAFE NSW come to us with great foundation skills ready to develop and progress their knowledge in the service.

“It really is such a rewarding job. You develop such a close bond with the children and their families and to see a child grow and reach a milestone, is indescribable.”

For information about early childhood education and care courses available at TAFE NSW, visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601. 

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, MediaRelease@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7920 5000.