Leadership
Workforce
Pathways to practice: Empowering Tasmania’s education and care
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Fiona Alston
Nov 28, 2025
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Early Childhood Australia is delighted to be delivering a $4.5 million Workforce Development Scholarship Program funded by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of State Growth. This program has the capacity to support 200 individuals across Tasmania to study and gain qualifications in education and care, including early childhood certificate III, diploma, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
This unique scholarship includes much more than financial support. Each participant will receive a tailored support plan that combines academic, wellbeing, professional and, where applicable, relocation support to begin or refresh a strong professional career path in the education and care workforce.The program provides tailored individual support for people to study and gain professional employment. It also responds to critical workforce shortages across Tasmania by building a pipeline for the sector and creating pathways for individuals to become qualified educators who are supported throughout their career journey.
“This is a strategic investment from the Tasmanian Government in the education and care workforce. We’re not just delivering financial support to individuals undertaking qualifications… We’re building a connected, supported pathway for educators to grow, stay, and lead in the sector.” Hannah Kench, ECA Workforce Initiative Manager
Participants will receive financial support to assist with study-related expenses, alongside additional incentives designed to encourage continued employment in the education and care sector after a period of service.
Throughout their study journey, recipients will have access to one-on-one mentoring and coaching to support both academic progress and professional development. Wellbeing support will be provided through regular check-ins and access to support services, ensuring students feel connected and supported.
To strengthen academic success, the program includes tailored support that could include literacy and numeracy assistance, study skills development, and tailored academic guidance. Participants will also be invited to attend networking events and engage in regional communities of practice, fostering peer connection and sector engagement.
For those relocating to remote or hard-to-staff areas such as King Island, Flinders Island, and Tasmania’s West Coast, relocation support will be available to ease the transition and encourage long-term retention in these communities.
Early childhood is a powerful time of growth and development for children. Giving Tasmanian children a childhood that is rich, stimulating, and nurturing, where they can grow, play, and learn is the best investment we can make for children and for our state’s future.
Imagine being the person who helps children feel safe, curious, and confident. Imagine knowing that your work today will echo through their future. That’s the power of this profession and you can be part of it. Whether you’re starting your career, returning to the workforce, or looking to upskill, this is your opportunity. Expressions of interest for the Tasmanian Workforce Development Scholarship Program are now open.
ECA wants to support you on this journey. Take the next step and apply for a Workforce Development Scholarship today!
For more information, visit eysac.com.au/scholarship or contact workforceinitiativetas@earlychildhood.org.au.
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