Camden High School students gain insights into working in ECEC

TAFE New South Wales Campbelltown is tackling impending workforce shortages head-on by providing local high school students with an insight into the world of early childhood education and care (ECEC), exploring employment opportunities, and what it is like to work in the sector, through a nine-week program. 

A group of students from Camden High School participated in the program, which saw 16 students spend one day a week learning the hands-on skills required to pursue a career in ECEC.

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 per cent 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 sector, encouraging them to engage with their studies or explore further study options at TAFE NSW,” Ms Cowie said. 

Throughout the nine weeks students learnt 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 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.”

Further information on studying Children’s Services with TAFE NSW can be obtained on its website, or by calling 131 601.