Professional development
Workforce
TAFE NSW grad encourages more men to join ECEC ahead of National Children’s Week
Freya Lucas
Oct 22, 2020
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Being able to watch children learn, and being part of the “transformation” they undertake throughout their journey as early learners are the career highlights for TAFE NSW graduate Joshua Denina, who has spoken about his study journey ahead of National Children’s Week.
While the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is dominated by female employees, who make up 93 per cent of those employed, the statistics didn’t deter Joshua, who is now working at Spring Farm’s Blue Bird Early Learning Centre while studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Nirimba.“I’ve never felt discouraged to work in ECEC due to a lack of males in the profession, but I think there are a lot of people out there who might be,” he said.
“For those considering a career as an early childhood educator I would say it’s the best career decision I’ve made and I’ve had great support from my teachers, mentors and co-workers who have helped me thrive.”
Study in the field of ECEC is enjoying a surge in popularity, with enrolments in the Bachelor of ECEC at TAFE NSW growing by 22 per cent over the past two years. 98 per cent of students studying with TAFE NSW were employed “immediately after completing their course”, a spokesperson for the organisation said.
Melinda Barsoum, TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care, said the four-year Bachelor degree equipped students like Joshua with “hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge that employers look for.”
“The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care qualifies students to work as a teacher in preschools and long day care as a trained teacher, as well as preparing students for employment in other parts of the children's and family services sector,” Ms Barsoum said.
“National Children’s Week is a great reminder of the important role our early childhood educators play in young people’s lives and with an employment rate of 98 per cent,” she added.
TAFE NSW also offers a Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, which can be used to pathway into the Bachelor degree with credit for prior study.
For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au
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