Lifestyle change and move from China sees Tracy benefit from Destination scholarship

Freya Lucas

Nov 04, 2020

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Given the current and predicted workforce shortages in early childhood education and care (ECEC), particularly in regional and rural settings, a number of scholarships and incentives are available to those wishing to re-skill or upskill in ECEC.

Tracy Lei moved with her family from China to Orange, a regional town in New South Wales, two years ago, seeking a lifestyle change. After working as a Chinese interpreter and learning more about Australian education, a career switch to educating young children appealed to her.

Ms Lei enrolled in a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Orange and has applied for a Commonwealth Government Destination Australia Scholarship to assist with her study and living expenses.

“Since moving to Australia, I’ve developed an interest in helping children and having a young family has opened my eyes to the importance of educating children from a young age,” Ms Lei said.

“I heard about the $15,000 Destination Australia Scholarships available to those who move to the country and it helped me decide to change my career to something I am passionate about.”

Ms Lei said she is looking forward to learning more about the Australian early childhood education and care sector, its regulations, how to run a classroom and create lesson plans, encouraging others who are thinking about a career change to take advantage of the support and study opportunities available at TAFE NSW.

Susan Bird, TAFE NSW Head Teacher of ECEC, Susan Bird, said TAFE NSW is supporting the Commonwealth Government’s initiative because “it’s a fantastic way to showcase the region and equips students with the job-ready skills to be successful in an industry (sic.) that employs the largest number of people in the Central West.”

Destination Australia Scholarships for 2021 are now open and applications will close 8 November 2020. Further information, including how to apply, may be accessed here.

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