TAFE NSW invites ECEC to speed dating event to get employment relationship blooming

Freya Lucas

May 16, 2023

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TAFE NSW Wollongong has taken an innovative approach to helping early childhood education and care (ECEC) students to secure jobs in the in-demand ECEC sector, inviting Illawarra early childhood education centre directors to join students at a “speed dating” style meet and greet event.

A local first, the event saw close to half of the students who attended walk away with a job, with some students receiving multiple offers after spending just five minutes with each director in the ‘rotation’.

For Justine Poidevin, TAFE NSW Team Leader (ECEC), the event highlighted the innovative approach TAFE practitioners take to work with local sectors and industries to address skills gaps. “It was a highly successful night and one that we’ll now look at rolling out in more locations,” Ms Poidevin said. “The sector is desperate for educators locally and so you have employers looking for students to fill roles and students looking for jobs. TAFE NSW has such close ties with the local ECEC sector, it makes sense that we act as the conduit.” One of the many to attend the event was Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre Director Courtney Baldwin, who employed two of the students following the event.

“We’re really happy with the two students we’ve employed; they have great hands-on skills and are very caring and comforting to the children.” TAFE NSW Wollongong offers a Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, with graduates gaining credit towards a Bachelor degree in the field at TAFE NSW Shellharbour. Learn more on the TAFE NSW Wollongong website.

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