TAFE NSW steps up to fill in pipeline for ECEC educator demand

With the recent release of Jobs and Skills data showing current and projected demand for early childhood educators is strong, TAFE NSW is stepping up in response to the challenge, and is currently offering a fee-free Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care and a fee-free Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. 

Australians looking for a stable and rewarding career in a booming sector are encouraged to consider working within the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, which is experiencing significant growth, with demand for skilled workers expected to increase 22 percent by 2026 (according to the 2023 Australian Government Productivity Commission Report.)

As of December 2023, there have been 19,200 enrolments in Early Childhood Education and Care courses, making it one of the most popular fee-free course areas in 2023.

Ariane Liskowski is a recent ‘success story,’ having graduated from TAFE NSW Randwick. She initially completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care before advancing to the Bachelor program.

After graduating in 2023, she was appointed as the Director of the newly opened Platinum Preschool in Bondi.

“I’m thankful for all the skills I learned through TAFE,” Ms Liskowski said. “Understanding more about how children learn and their brains develop has led me to implement wonderful programs at our centre.”

The preschool offers bush kindy, beach kindy, and an intergenerational program where children and educators visit a local aged care home. 

“The courses I’ve studied through TAFE NSW not only changed me as a person, they also equipped me with the skills I needed to further my career in early childhood education,” she added. 

TAFE NSW Randwick Head Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care Rosemary Ayoub said TAFE NSW is committed to delivering a pipeline of skilled early childhood education educators to meet the growing demand.

“Ariane Liskowski is a wonderful example of the high-quality graduates TAFE NSW is training,” Ms Ayoub said. 

“Our Early Childhood Education and Care programs combine theory with practical experience, providing learners with the specialist skills needed for success in the workplace..”

Learn more about fee free courses in ECEC with TAFE NSW here.