If childcare is one of the professions you’re considering, perhaps you’re hoping to learn more about the advantages of working in the industry? Well, there’s no disguising the fact that childcare careers can be demanding, but these challenges are often offset by the rewarding nature of the job.
Choosing a career path is a daunting prospect, so you’ll want to ensure you have access to as much information as possible before taking the plunge. This is particularly true if you’re embarking on higher education or vocational education and training (VET) courses, as you’ll need to invest several years of your time before achieving your goals.
There are many advantages to VET pathways such as apprenticeships and traineeships. For information on whether or not this is the right option for you, please visit Apprenticeship Central to learn more about how on-the-job and off-the-job training can give you the kick-start you need to succeed in your dream career.
Let’s examine some of the benefits you could enjoy if you decided to select early childhood education and care traineeships.
Childcare skills are in demand
Federal government skills shortages data shows childcare workers shouldn’t find it too difficult to secure a job. Demand for qualified candidates is on the rise in various states, including Queensland, Western Australia and NSW.
While employers didn’t report much trouble recruiting for entry-level positions in 2015, the government noted that childcare centre managers and people with diplomas in early education were highly sought after.
Work is fulfilling
Many people choose childcare because they love working with children. Getting the opportunity to play a key role in the development of youngsters is extremely rewarding, as you can watch them grow, learn and soak up any knowledge you impart.
The wages don’t skyrocket in childcare based on experience, unless you move into managerial or directorship positions at companies, but you may be willing to sacrifice salary expectations if you really want to make a difference in children’s lives.
Opportunities for progression
As previously mentioned, childcare centre managers are in short supply in some states, such as NSW. This means any childcare workers who are keen to climb the career ladder should have plenty of opportunities to further their prospects.
Recent statistics from SEEK also showed a 24 per cent year-on-year increase in education and training adverts posted in February 2016. The figures may indicate that vacancies for highly qualified childcare professionals could be on the rise.
If you’d like to see the current opportunities for apprenticeships and traineeships in childcare, please click here to access Apprenticeship Central’s search function.
