Building Careers Through Smart Skilling project will boost educator numbers in Victoria

A $2.9 million investment to recruit and train 140 workers in Geelong and Wyndham, through The Gordon TAFE in collaboration with early childhood education and care (ECEC)  stakeholders is set to boost educator numbers in Victoria. 

Gayle Tierney, the state’s Minister for Training and Skills launched the project yesterday, explaining that it will deliver training, a sector based ‘try-before-you-buy’ program, mentorships and other wraparound supports – providing local jobseekers with pathways into TAFE courses and meaningful career opportunities while also addressing skills demands. 

The project aims to address current challenges in attraction and retention of employees within the sector as well as supporting the Victorian Government’s overhaul of early childhood education and care through a $9 billion investment to make kinder free, deliver a new year of universal Pre-Prep for four-year-olds and establish 50 government operated childcare centres. 

As well as supporting those wishing to explore a career in ECEC, the Building Careers Through Smart Skilling project will provide opportunities to Victorians looking to enter aged care, disability, hospitality, tourism, food and accommodation services. 

Enrolments in ECEC have more than doubled since the courses were added to the Free TAFE initiative. 

“TAFE isn’t just the engine room of the early childhood sector but industries right across the state – it provides great opportunities to jobseekers and is setting Victoria up with the skilled workers we need now and into the future,” Ms Tierney said. 

Learn more about the initiative here.