With Australia's Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workforce set to grow by a staggering 22 per cent by 2026, TAFE NSW is providing a pipeline of skilled ECEC workers, many of whom are bringing innovation to the sector.

TAFE NSW Ourimbah graduate, Debora Busa, is a trainee and atelierista (art teacher) at Belong Early Learning Centre, where she helps children express themselves through the universal language of art.

“When I moved to the Central Coast 12 years ago and had my daughter, working in hospitality no longer suited my lifestyle. I am an artist and studied art in Sicily, where I was born, and I love children so I started at TAFE NSW to gain the skills that would support a career that blended both passions.

“At TAFE NSW I had great support and mentorship from my teachers, and I loved learning about how to support children's learning and development. The course helped me to better understand the importance of an educator's role in those first precious years of a child's development,” Debora said.

Director at Belong Early Learning Centre, Nikki Shaw, said she began recruitment for an atelierista after she identified the value this role could add for the Centre’s families during a visit to Italy.

“After experiencing the centres of Reggio Emilia and their use of atelieristas firsthand, we knew that we wanted an experienced artist who also shared the same values and image of children as we do. With the skills and knowledge she gained from her TAFE NSW course, Debora was the right person to bring these skills to our Centre.

“Debora views children as unique, capable, and whole beings from birth and has supported each child or group of children in different ways depending on their needs and interests.

“This way of working also supports other educators as they collaboratively plan alongside Debora to enhance and enrich learning opportunities,” she said.

Ms Shaw said TAFE NSW is important in providing training for the Early Childhood Education and Care workforce.

“It is essential for us to take training of our educators seriously and to value developing their knowledge, passion, and expertise. It is not only essential for our education and care sector but for our children, our communities, and our future,” Ms Shaw said.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care, Sharon Field, said TAFE NSW is committed to delivering a pipeline of skilled early childhood educators, to meet increased demand across the state. 

“Early childhood educators play a crucial role in the development and care of children, and their work has never been more vital in our communities,” Ms Field said. 

“The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides students with the hands-on skills they need to make a real difference in children's lives. Through a mix of theory and practical work, students learn how to create educationally stimulating and safe learning environments and nurture creativity in an early education and care setting. 

“No two days are the same in early childhood education, and the work is incredibly rewarding. Students studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care need to demonstrate quality interaction and relationship building with children and facilitate learning through play,” Ms Field said.

Media contact: Emily Graham, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, emily.graham40@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7921 3756.