Bradley transitions to early childhood career with the support of TAFE SA 

Father of one Bradley Edwards has successfully transitioned into a career in early childhood education and care (ECEC) with the support of TAFE SA.

Previously working in the retail sector, Mr Edwards began contemplating a career change during the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing ECEC because he was interested in engaging with children and helping them learn.

The final push for him to enrol in ECEC was the advent of Fee Free TAFE, something which removed some of the risk of undertaking a qualification which may not suit. 

“Fee Free TAFE has helped me by allowing me to study and pursue this career without the concern of whether or not I can even afford to study and change careers years after leaving high school,” he said.

He studied the 12-month Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE SA’s Regency Campus.

“Being at TAFE SA I have really enjoyed the combination of both learning and practical hands-on experience,” he said. 

“While studying this course, I have enjoyed meeting educators, children, families, and seeing the many different ways that everyone engages and communicates with each other towards the common goal of child learning and care.” 

While the on-campus study was along the lines of what he expected, Mr Edwards found the practical placement side of the course “eye opening” as he navigated the responsibilities and services of a childcare centre.

“I had very little knowledge of the field, so it was a steep learning curve,” he said.

Now working in the field at a long day care centre, the most rewarding part of being in ECEC for Mr Edwards is getting to know his co-workers and the children and their families using the service.

Learn more about Fee Free TAFE here. Image shows (from left): Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer, ECEC student Gloria Phuatthakum, Member for Boothby, Louise Miller-Frost, former Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, and ECEC student Bradley Edwards