ECU initiates scholarship program with G8 Education to meet ongoing workforce needs

Edith Cowan University (ECU) has initiated a partnership with early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider G8 Education in a bid to drive early childhood teacher (ECT) recruitment as demand grows nationally.

Australian Job Outlook shows that there are currently 162,400 early childhood educators in Australia. Of them, almost 50,000 are degree qualified early childhood teachers.  

The figures also show that over the next five years another 34,000 jobs will need to be filled in the sector.  

Opportunities now open to educators participating in the partnership include: 

• $15,000 worth of study bonus​es  
• Resource allowances paid each semester ​  
• Wages paid during all professional experience placements   
• Paid study time  
• Paid exam days  
• Dedicated mentoring​  
• Fees paid for Initial Teacher Registration University Applications 

“We are committed to supporting and investing in our team by providing opportunities for them to grow in their career and skills, including by partnering with aligned, reputable tertiary institutions to offer Early Childhood focussed courses and degrees,” G8 Education’s Chief People and Transformation Officer, Tabitha Pearson said. 

Since its launch in 2019, more than 180 students have enrolled in the Bachelor Scholarship program across three cohorts, with the fourth intake now underway. All graduates are guaranteed ECT roles with G8 Education. 

ECU’s Associate Dean (Early Childhood Studies) Dr Gillian Kirk said the agility of this program allows diploma qualified staff to engage in further education while maintaining their current employment status.  

“It is an initiative that works with and for staff, and the program structure incentivises course completion. Edith Cowan is pleased to be a part of a partnership that actively addresses an economic and societal need in ways that honour the integrity of the Bachelor of Education (ECS) course and the early years profession,” she added. 

“This program is depictive of a partnership that is actively and constructively addressing early childhood teacher shortages currently pervading the sector. The scholarship initiative is exemplar of the forward thinking that will ultimately create a stronger early childhood education and care workforce.”

“Benefits extend beyond increased professional fulfilment, to reach better outcomes for young children and by large, for the economy,” she said. 

For more information on how to apply for the Bachelor Scholarship program head to Grow With Us – Careers at G8 Education.