Australia’s early childhood education and care sector (ECEC) is dominated by female employees with statistics revealing that nine per cent of males make up the total ECEC workforce.

Oakdale local, Joshua Denina (pictured below), isn’t deterred by this statistic after gaining employment at Spring Farm’s Blue Bird Early Learning Centre while studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Nirimba. He’s now urging others to consider a career in the industry ahead of National Children’s Week.

Joshua, 26, said: “I love being able to watch children learn and transform throughout their childcare journey as I help them set a foundation of life long skills.”

“I’ve never felt discouraged to work in ECEC due to a lack of males in the industry but I think there are a lot of people out there who might be.

“For those considering a career as an early childhood educator I would say it’s the best career decision I’ve made and I’ve had great support from my TAFE NSW teachers, mentors and co-workers who have helped me thrive in the industry.” 

Statewide enrolments in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW grew by 22 per cent over the last two years with 98 per cent of students employed immediately after completing their course. 

TAFE NSW head teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care, Melinda Barsoum, said the four-year Bachelor degree equipped students like Joshua with hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge that employers look for. 

“The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care qualifies students to work as a teacher in preschools and long day care as a trained teacher, as well as preparing students for employment in other parts of the children's and family services sector,” Ms Barsoum said.

“National Children’s Week is a great reminder of the important role our early childhood educators play in young people’s lives and with an employment rate of 98 per cent, TAFE NSW is well equipped to get students working in the industry while they study.”

TAFE NSW also offers a Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, which can be used to pathway into the Bachelor degree with credit for prior study.

To enrol in an early childhood education and care course, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.