With employment opportunities for education aides expected to increase over the next five years, there is no better time for Quirindi job seekers to consider a rewarding career assisting children with their studies.

According to data from the Australian Government Jobs Outlook, more than 85,000 job openings Australia-wide are expected for education aides over this time. i

TAFE NSW student and Quirindi resident, Meagan Holden, is taking full advantage of new opportunities in the education support industry. After experiencing learning difficulties as a child she wanted to help give other children the best start in life. She chose to study a Certificate III in Education Support at the TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre in Quirindi and is now working casually as an education aide at Blandford Public School.

“The TAFE NSW course has given me the hands-on skills and knowledge about the best practices to help guide students with their learning,” Ms Holden said.

“I enjoyed studying at the TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre and using state-of-the-art technology to interact and learn from my teacher - it really helped me complete the course.

“The teachers at TAFE NSW were so supportive and were only a phone call or email away if I had any questions or needed them.”

The future looks bright for Ms Holden, as a study by the Grattan Institute indicated that a vocational educational training qualification will lead to work in a relevant field.ii 

“I’m really enjoying using the skills I have learnt throughout my studies at TAFE NSW to better the lives of the children at Blandford Public School and I’m hoping to secure an ongoing role at the school,” Ms Holden said.

“I’d encourage others, to start studying at TAFE NSW to grow your skills to be whatever you want to be.”

Blandford Public School Principal, Kelly Sipple, said Meagan has been a great asset to the education support staff team.

“She is developing her ability to work as part of the team and building her confidence in her role.

“Meagan understands that children require routines and also that keeping an eye on signs of their wellbeing to adjust to routines is important to ensure sure they feel supported and valued.”

TAFE NSW Community Services, Health and Children’s Services Teacher, Katrina Brown, said Meagan was a hard working student who was clearly driven by her career goals.

“Meagan is a wonderful example of how TAFE NSW equips students with the practical skills and work experience they need to pursue a career that they’ll love.”

To find out more about children’s services courses available at TAFE NSW Quirindi visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515

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i Australian Government Jobs Outlook. 2019. Education Aides.

ii Risks and rewards: when is vocational education a good alternative to higher education? The Grattan Institute, August 2019.