NSW launches ECT scholarship program with workforce strategy

In recognition of early childhood educators day, held yesterday, 2 September, New South Wales Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell announced a new Early Childhood Education scholarship program to increase the number of qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs), in line with the NSW Government’s Early Childhood Education Workforce Strategy.

Successful applicants will be offered a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake or complete an approved early childhood teaching degree qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) with up to 40 scholarships to be awarded each year for three years.

Scholarships will be prioritised to meet emerging workforce needs including those already employed in eligible early childhood education services, Aboriginal people, those in regional and remote areas and/or those with high numbers of disadvantaged children.

“These scholarships support the NSW Government’s vision of a highly qualified and sustainable workforce which meets the needs of children and families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those in regional and remote locations as well as children with additional needs,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Supporting high quality candidates to study and take up careers as early childhood educators is key to our commitment to ensure children across NSW have access to quality early education wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.”