Spotlight on industry growth: 25.4% growth between 2019 and 2022

Australia’s growing population, and increase in the number of people active within the workforce, has helped give rise to the larger demand for childcare placements throughout the country. Today, 1.5 million children aged 12 or below, are currently in some form of child care placement, with nearly 180,000 children are enrolled in family day care centres.

Additionally, the Early Childhood Education and Care industry is also becoming increasingly diverse, with centers now offering more specialised services, with special needs children, children from diverse backgrounds, and younger and younger children being more expressly catered to. So, with the demand for workers with a diverse range of skills increasing, now is the time for you to enrol in an Early Childhood and Education course at TAFE NSW.

Spotlight on in-demand skills of the future

While the skills required to work effectively in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry are enduring, the way in which workers need to implement those skills within modern settings is constantly evolving. That’s why the TAFE NSW Bachelor of Early Childhood Education provides you with a modern approach to the timeless practical skills and knowledge, ensuring that your career in the early childhood education and care sector is aligned with the workplaces of today, as well as those of the future.

• Communication skills. Early childhood education and care workers must be able to discuss the progress of the children in their care with parents and co-workers. You will need to possess (or develop) good communication skills, in order to effectively convey information, while also possessing good listening skills to clearly comprehend any instructions from parents.
• Decision making skills. Emergencies and difficult situations arise frequently when working with children, so having the skill to make the right decisions at the right time is an absolute necessity for you to work in early childhood education and care.
• Instructional skills. Early childhood education and care workers need to be able to explain any number of things to young children, using particular words and descriptions that make it easy for young children to comprehend.
• Interpersonal skills. Because it takes a large amount of trust for a parent to leave their child in the care of people who are essentially strangers, early childhood education and care workers need to develop good relationships with an increasingly diverse range of parents, children, and colleagues, by enhancing their interpersonal skills.
• Patience. Being able to remain composed and respond calmly during moments of overwhelming and trying situations is a common necessity when working with children. This means that early childhood education and care employees need to develop the requisite skills to avoid becoming frustrated.
• Physical stamina. Working with children can be physically demanding, so people employed within the early childhood education and care sector should strive to be as energetic as possible.

Spotlight on job satisfaction

While the industry is incredibly rewarding one, allowing you to work with eager, young minds, inspiring them to learn and grow, there are many reasons that can make a career in this industry fulfilling.

Job roles within the early childhood education and care sector are often more flexible than within other industries. Nearly a third of roles in childcare (29.1%) are worked part time, which means that you could have the opportunity to balance your work and family life, or just spend more time on yourself
 

Spotlight pathways to successful careers

1. Early childhood educator

Job ads in the past 3 months: 16,410

Pathway options:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education – Early Childhood (900-HE20510_AT)
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and care (Birth-5) (HE20510V02)
• Leadership and Management in Early Childhood (900-HE20510_LM)

2. Childcare worker/nanny

Job ads in past 3 months: 2,520  

Pathway options:

• Statement of Attainment in Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk (900-80573V01)
• TAFE Plus Statement in Support meaningful inclusion of children with additional needs (900-500014)

3. Kindergarten assistant

Job ads in past 3 months: 2,448

Pathway options:

• Statement of Attainment in Early Childhood Fundamentals (166-56524V01)
• Statement of Attainment in Early childhood (SG00000220)
• Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Early Childhood and Education Support (SG00006368)
• Statement of Attainment in Pathway to Early Childhood and Education Support Qualifications (SG00006367)

4. Family day care educator

Job ads in past 3 months: 8,754  

Pathway options:

• Manage an Early Childhood Education and Care Service (900-HE20510_MN)
• Inclusive Practice and Principles in Early Childhood (900-HE20510_IN)
• TAFE Plus Statement in Analyse information for documentation and to support learning (900-500006)

5. Specialised education teacher

Job ads in past 3 months: 2,388  

Pathway options:

• Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care (CHC40113)
• Diploma of School Age Education and Care (CC50213)

When you make the decision to pursue (or advance) your career within the early childhood education and care industry, TAFE NSW has plenty of study options to help you along your journey in this rewarding profession.  

TAFE NSW has Bachelor Degree options in this career area.

TAFE NSW Degrees are taught by industry experts in dynamic, progressive learning environments. You don't need an ATAR, but you will graduate with a qualification that will change your future.

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