Professional development

From vet nursing to FDC thanks to TAFE NSW – Hannah McDonald’s story

Freya Lucas

Feb 03, 2022

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New South Wales family day care (FDC) educator Hannah McDonald credits TAFE NSW with giving her the skills she needed to open her own family daycare business and help meet the demand for early childhood educators in the Central West.

Hannah, aged 24, completed a Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW, before opening her service, retraining after a four year career as a veterinary nurse.

Orange, where Hannah operates her service, is one of the towns in the Central West which is currently experiencing a shortage of early childhood educators and the local council is encouraging skilled workers to open more services, including family day care. Orange City Council has offered incentives to people entering the sector, in the hope to meet the demand for care.

“I love seeing the children grow and develop, and I enjoy helping them achieve things. Studying at TAFE NSW gave me a lot of resources and knowledge that I revisit regularly to help me be a good educator,” Hannah shared.

“It’s the best job in the world, and changing careers was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “It is so rewarding, and the children really do become part of your family.”

She encouraged others thinking about starting in the sector to enroll in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW and begin a rewarding career. Enrolments for TAFE NSW Early Childhood Education and Care courses for 2022 are now open. Visit TAFE NSW or call 131 601 for more information.

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