LOCALS from Sydney’s Northwest are future-proofing their careers by upskilling in priority industries with TAFE NSW, including early childhood education and care.

According to the 2023 Australian Government Productivity Commission Report, nearly half of one-year-olds and about 90 percent of four-year-olds attend some form of early childhood education and care. 

Demand for skilled workers is forecast to grow 22 percent by 2026, and with the NSW Government’s recent $769M pledge to build 100 preschools by 2027, TAFE NSW is delivering the hands-on training future educators need to gain employment.   

TAFE NSW Meadowbank graduate and Parramatta resident Jennifer Gerber chose to study the fee-free Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care after being made redundant from her IT job within a school during COVID. 

 “I was particularly interested in working in an education environment,” Ms Gerber said. “I started by completing a Certificate III as a teacher’s aide and then I signed up Early Childhood Education and Care course. I have loved learning over the past couple of years at TAFE. All the teachers are knowledgeable and experienced in working in the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector.

 “Since graduating I’ve worked in casual roles at early learning centres and as a room leader within the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector. When the children are playing and learning, I love interacting with them to maximise their learning and growth.”

TAFE NSW Chief Delivery Officer, Janet Schorer said TAFE NSW is committed to delivering a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the growing demand in Sydney’s northwest region.   

 “Jennifer Gerber is an example of the high-quality graduates TAFE NSW is training to meet skills demand now and into the future.

 "Over the next 10 years, more than 9 out of 10 new jobs will require post-secondary qualifications. TAFE NSW is crucial not only for the future of the Sydney northwest regional economy but also for providing people with skills for current and future job markets.

 “Semester 2 is about to start, making it the perfect time to explore the range of courses at your local TAFE NSW campus. Whether you prefer online, face-to-face, or teacher-led virtual classrooms, we have study options to suit your needs,” Ms Schorer said.