31 May 2021

A Nowra mum-of-six has credited TAFE NSW with giving her the skill and confidence to help her find her calling – working with children.

North Nowra’s Karrissa Corsaro left school in Year 10 and had her first child at 21, spending a number of years as a stay-at-home mum.

But a yearning to enter the workforce drew her to TAFE NSW Nowra in 2020 where she studied a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Her passion for shaping young hearts and minds was unlocked and Ms Corsaro is now midway through her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and working as an educator at the same centre her own children attended, Shoalhaven Community Preschool.

“I always knew I wanted a career but when you’re 16 or 18, you’re just too young to really know,” Mrs Corsaro said.

“In the end it was being a stay-at-home mum that really drew me to my passion. To see how much they learn and grow in those early years made me want to help other children do the same.

“I love my job and it’s so gratifying when you see those little brains tick and learn a new skill … it really is incredible.”

The industry is expected to see a surge in growth in coming years, with a National Industry Insights report finding the number of early childhood teacher roles would surge 22 per cent by 2023.

Mrs Corsaro said the practical approach from TAFE NSW and the individual support from teachers helped her towards her goal.

“My teacher was just brilliant and had so much industry experience,” she said.

Shoalhaven Community Preschool director Kate Morris said the centre had a strong ongoing partnership with TAFE NSW.

“We have provided opportunities for TAFE NSW students to build their skills and knowledge through practical placements and mentoring for many years now,” Ms Morris said.

TAFE NSW Nowra early childhood teacher Eva Dillon-Smith lauded Mrs Corsaro for her passion and professionalism as an educator.

“Karrissa is just a phenomenal person and to work with children all day and then to come home and be a mum to six just shows that,” Ms Dillon-Smith said.

“The industry is in desperate need of more educators and it’s a great way to find almost guaranteed work.

“It’s such a richly rewarding profession, and you’re able to make a real difference in a young child’s life.”

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428