In less than two years, TAFE NSW early childhood education and care student Lisa Lewer has gone from studying for the first time in more than two decades to operating a successful day care centre in Parkes.

The mother-of-two describes her life as ‘good but crazy busy’, and believes TAFE NSW’s flexible learning options have allowed her to get the skills she needed to successfully open and run Lisa’s Little Gems Family Day Care Centre.

Lisa said, “It is a dream come true to run a wonderful and successful Family Day Care Centre. I have 12 children of different ages on my books, some permanent and some casual.

“I found that studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care through a mix of face-to-face and online learning at TAFE NSW worked perfectly for my situation.

“I am a full-time parent to two beautiful girls, my husband works away a lot, it was more than 20 years since I last studied and I live more than an hour away from TAFE NSW Orange where the course was held.

“Flexible study allowed me to complete the course within my own time schedule, even if it was 11pm at night. If I had any questions about the course I sent an email to my teachers and got a response the next day.

“I also received regular check ins from my teachers, meaning I only had to drive to Orange a couple of times a month for evening classes.”

TAFE NSW Early Childhood Education and Care teacher, Sandra Pritchard, is not at all surprised by Lisa’s success, describing her as a ‘committed, talented and hardworking student’.

“Lisa’s assessment tasks were always extremely detailed and respectfully reflected the children’s interests and strengths. Her informative assessment tasks documented her growing knowledge and understanding of child development,” Ms Pritchard said.

“On all work placements Lisa shone and supervisors always gave her glowing reports. Lisa is reflective, thoughtful, flexible and committed and her passion and enthusiasm for early childhood education was always evident. I’m sure she will have a successful future in this industry.”

According to Australian Government statistics, child care is a booming industry with more than 184,000 new job openings predicted across the country over the next five years. It’s why Lisa believes now is the ideal time to consider studying early childhood education and care at TAFE NSW.

“I encourage others to try TAFE NSW because they are really evolving with the times. By having a mix of study options it allows you to reach the goals you never thought were possible,” she said.

“The support is available through different avenues - you just have to get started and once you do, you’ll be glad you did.”

TAFE NSW has a range of early childhood education and care courses available for semester two enrolment now through face-to-face or blended delivery. For information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Luke Schuyler, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0439 536 563.