Jason, Annabelle and Ava thriving in ECEC courses thanks to ACT Fee-Free TAFE initiative

Freya Lucas

Apr 20, 2023

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For Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) students Jason, Annabelle and Ava the Fee-Free TAFE initiative offered by the Australian Capital Territory Government has allowed them a smoother path to studying early childhood education and care (ECEC).

“I was really stressed about going back to study and the fee-free TAFE option definitely made it less stressful,” Jason said.

“The practical aspects of this CIT course are brilliant. I am learning so much and the teachers are so supportive, kind, and make the theory come to life,” they added.

Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative of Australia’s Commonwealth, state and territory governments, providing tuition-free vocational education and training to eligible ACT students wanting to train, retrain or upskill.

“We are learning about child development, psychology, first aid, legal responsibilities and how to create enriching activities for little children, including literacy, art and music and play. I love it!” Annabelle added.

All three CIT students are looking forward to gaining practical experience at an early childhood centre, with a number of ECEC courses available including the Certificate III, which all three students are studying, with plans to go on to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, and also to continue study at university and qualify as an early childhood teacher.

“I am finding my skills in teaching music and doing homework help with children are really useful for my new course too,” Jason continued.

To find out more about Fee-Free TAFE at CIT, please see here.

Find out more about fee-free TAFE, including eligibility criteria and available courses using this link.

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