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Teyden is making the most of Fee-Free TAFE to start a career in ECEC
Freya Lucas
Nov 9, 2023
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For future early childhood education and care (ECEC) professional Teyden, studying the Certificate III of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) under the Fee-Free TAFE funding with TAFE Queensland has been a way to recover and rebuild following a stroke.
"I've always been fascinated with biomechanics, so originally, I was a massage therapist and training to become a physiotherapist. Unfortunately, I suffered a stroke three years ago and needed to pivot careers into something less physically demanding," Teyden said.He originally studied a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (UEE22020) through TAFE Queensland, but was drawn to early childhood education by a long interest in working with children, and the benefits of Fee-Free TAFE.
Fee-Free TAFE funding is part of the Queensland Government's Good People. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 which aims to connect, educate and attract the people needed to meet the state's workforce demand in existing and new industry sectors to support continued economic growth.
Teyden is studying at TAFE Queensland at The Buzz in Yarrabilba, and enjoys the hands-on training style.
"Throughout my career, I always enjoyed helping children, and when I saw this course was offered Fee-Free, I couldn't believe that something that comes so naturally to me could be my full-time job," Teyden said.
Now training to teach, guide and support children for a living from a young age, Teyden is thriving under the guidance of teachers from the ECEC sector with a small class of like-minded classmates.
"I've asked questions about things I'm either struggling with or not understanding, and Mel, Marie, and Claire have all helped me when I'm struggling," he said.
"I'm learning the ideal methods to care for children, and it's fascinating. Knowing calming techniques, conflict resolution, handling emotions, and separation anxiety are all interesting. There's more to ECEC than what's on the surface, and I'm getting more confident.”.
The modern facilities he's training in, which are brand new, purpose-built and close to home are another plus.
"Yarrabilba is a nice space, and we have access to computers for doing assignments and accessing TAFE Connect,” he said.
“There's butcher paper, pens and markers for brainstorming group work. It's a great environment for us to contribute and help each other learn."
While working in a female dominated environment can be “a little intimidating” Teyden said the course has left him feeling confident.
“Each day, we do group activities and role-play to learn how to hold a baby, transfer them to another person, burp them, pick them up from the ground or highchair and the correct way to handle them and support the baby's head," he said.
"We have opportunities to engage outside of this course, to connect, ask questions, and discuss things we either don't understand or just want more information. We also have created a Facebook group to discuss things and help each other."
Once he has finished studying, Teyden is looking forward to working in ECEC.
"While there are a few childcare centres around where I live that are hiring, which would be a convenient opportunity to follow up with after this, childcare is an industry where you can work just about anywhere – so I have many options."
Teyden said he is “hugely grateful” for Fee-Free funding and is using the money he saved to offset the cost of living.
"This has been a great opportunity, and I'm glad I went for it. Fee-Free has helped me financially, and TAFE Queensland is giving me the skills I need to work in an industry where I'll see the difference I make each day.”
"The format, the amount of work required and the support have made studying much more manageable. Before this, I studied a bachelor's and several other courses, and TAFE's hands-on and practical teaching is just much better suited to my learning style," he said.
Learn more about Fee-Free TAFE here.
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