Students get a taste of early childhood education at TAFE NSW

Students from Camden High School received a grounding in early childhood education and career opportunities at TAFE NSW Campbelltown. There will be demand for 36,000 child care workers by 2022.

The nine-week program saw 16 students spend one day a week learning the hands-on skills required to pursue a career in early childhood education, an industry currently experiencing a skills shortage.

TAFE NSW Children’s Services teacher, Rachel Cowie said, “Research recently released by the Grattan Institute indicated that there is expected to be an 18% growth rate in childcare jobs over the next five years, which is roughly 30,000 new jobs. This is nearly twice the expected growth rate for professional jobs and should minimise the risk of unemployment for people with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

“The program offers students a taste of what it would be like to work in the early childhood education industry, encouraging them to engage with their studies or explore further study options at TAFE NSW.”

Throughout the nine weeks students learned a range of skills including how to prepare nutritious meals, organise activities and care for children in the simulated childcare centre training facilities at TAFE NSW Campbelltown.

The group also managed four play sessions with children from South West Multiple Birth Association (SWMBA), gaining experience in how to look after twins, triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets.

Camden High School student, Grace Burchell said, “I have always wanted to develop my knowledge in early childhood education, so the TAFE NSW program was just perfect for me to gain practical skills and work experience.

“I now know more about changing nappy procedures, nutritious food for children and I have also become more confident as an individual.

Lara from Camden High School said, “Completing the program at TAFE NSW has been amazing. It will help me in the future as I have a certificate for my resume and has guaranteed my thoughts on becoming a preschool teacher.”