Wilcannia local and soon to be mother-of-two, Chloe Jones is encouraging others to consider a rewarding career in early childhood education and care as newly released figures reveal a high demand for skilled early childhood workers in NSW.

According to research carried out by Australia’s leading training provider, TAFE NSW, by 2021 the early childhood education and care industry in NSW is set to increase by 13.9%. The Australian Government Jobs Outlook data suggests that now is the perfect time to be pursuing a career in this industry with more than 36,000 job openings forecasted Australia-wide by 2022.

Ms Jones began her exciting journey in the early childhood education and care industry by studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Wilcannia. Little did she know it would lead to a rewarding career opportunity teaching and caring for local children.

“I initially did my work placement at Barlu Kurli Preschool and was lucky enough to be offered a maternity relief role at the preschool as an Aboriginal Education Officer. I really enjoy caring for children and teaching them about Aboriginal culture and history.”

“I am also enjoying learning about how to work and interact with children and encouraging them to express themselves.

“The teachers at TAFE NSW have been so supportive and flexible and have allowed me to work full-time and study at the same time. I’m working hard to finish my course by July this year and I’m looking forward to my future working with children.”

TAFE NSW Children’s Services Teacher, Karen Forrester, said Chloe has demonstrated dedication to her studies and work placement at her current employment at Barlu Kurli Preschool.

“Chloe is developing a sound understanding of current industry and early childhood knowledge and is a credit to her community and to the local preschool.

“She is the perfect example of students coming to TAFE NSW to get the hands-on skills and experience to be job ready.”

To find out more about studying early childhood education and care at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515