TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Kate Baxter, has encouraged people looking for employment to consider the early childhood education and care industry.

According to research carried out by Australia’s leading training provider, TAFE NSW, by 2021 the early childhood education and care industry in the Orana and Central West regions is set to increase by 13.9% with around 36,000 job openings over this time.

Ms Baxter said TAFE NSW has a range of early childhood education and care courses from certificates to diplomas to cater for this demand for skilled workers.

“Dubbo resident, Catherine Kelly took advantage of this growing industry by studying at TAFE NSW when she moved from Johannesburg, South Africa with her six year old daughter in search of a better lifestyle and new opportunities.

“Through TAFE NSW Dubbo, Ms Kelly, was able to develop her skills as an Early Childhood Educator by studying a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care which has helped her gain employment at a number of childcare centres in Dubbo.

“Ms Kelly is the perfect example of someone wanting to progress their career by studying at TAFE NSW to get the skills needed for the job they want,” Ms Baxter said.

Ms Kelly said choosing to study at TAFE NSW was an easy decision as it was the only training provider in Dubbo offering courses to International students.

“I was impressed by the breadth of practical skills covered by the teachers who maintained their industry connections that I decided to become an ambassador for TAFE NSW.

“Although I was studying at TAFE NSW full-time, the flexibility of the course delivery allowed me to study and work in the industry at the same time. TAFE NSW has given me a solid start in the industry and in Australia and I am very grateful,” Ms Kelly said.

Ms Baxter said if you’re considering a career in early childhood education and care, now is the time to enrol for semester one at TAFE NSW.

For more information about the range of early childhood education and care courses at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

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