Through a combination of part-time and full-time, Mark Taylor bucked gender stereotypes, earned a Degree with TAFE NSW, and advanced his career to become the director of KU Peninsula Community Preschool in Tanilba Bay, NSW.   

Early childhood education – an industry for all 

 Mark, who recently added to his many industry qualifications by completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) at TAFE NSW, believes the industry is just as suited to males as it is to females, and is something students should keep in mind when they consider their career options.  

“Although I received quite a few surprised looks in the early days, especially with being a director, I haven’t had many concerns and am treated respectfully," he says. "Occasionally I still hear ‘wow, it’s great you’re doing this’ but it is very much accepted.” 

Career opportunities at every step

Childcare workers are one of the six occupations projected to have the largest increase in employment in the next few years. With that in mind, both men and women can further their early childhood careers, just as Mark has with a TAFE NSW Degree.    

“I must have passed that thinking on to my son because in 2017 he became an early childhood educator too. The advice I gave him, and I would give to other males, is to seriously consider this career path because it is very rewarding.” 

With Early Childhood Education and Care, the Certificate III is often the first step for some people along the pathway to earning the Diploma and then the Degree. However, depending on your previous school, work and life experience, you could simply enrol in the Diploma course, or even start at the Degree level. Find out where your previous experience can take you. 

The qualification valued by industry

The TAFE NSW Degree is quickly becoming a qualification of choice for service providers.   

Mark also has a lot of praise for the course, especially the way TAFE NSW has built ‘pathways’ that might include the Diploma in people’s study programs. 

“If I can convince my son to do his Diploma then I will suggest TAFE NSW. I highly recommend it to a lot of people; the teaching was wonderful, and the small class made understanding concepts simple. TAFE NSW supports the emergent play-based environment and I think provides a much higher quality educator.”  

You don’t have to wait until next year to apply for a great TAFE NSW Degree, like the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education & Care (Birth-5). By registering with the TAFE NSW Degrees Early Entry Program, you could receive a conditional TAFE NSW Degree offer sooner than you thought.

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