In recent times, the Early Childhood industry has faced numerous challenges, including the impact of the pandemic, shortages in staff, and difficulties in retaining staff.  At Venture Education, we frequently hear reports that educators now view Early Childhood as a temporary "job" rather than a long-term "career."

One of our goals is to shift this perspective - not only for the Early Childhood Industry as a whole, but also for educators who may be unaware of the multitude of opportunities available to them!

Embarking on a vocational education qualification pathway (like the Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care), and gaining experience in Early Childhood or OSHC services, opens up a world of possibilities for your career!

There are clear and exciting career paths available in the Early Childhood Industry, such as becoming an Early Childhood Educator or OSHC Educator. These roles can lead to opportunities as a Nominated Supervisor, Assistant Director, Director, or even in administration within Early Childhood Services. The quality of education and training you receive is crucial for advancement in these roles, as it equips you with the knowledge, skills, practices, and tools necessary to not only excel within your team but also become a respected leader in the industry..

If you have dreams of becoming a Kindergarten or Primary School Teacher, starting your career in Early Childhood is the perfect stepping stone. Not only will you gain hands-on experience with preschool-aged children, but you'll also acquire valuable knowledge about child development, risk management, curriculum planning, and building strong relationships with families, colleagues, and most importantly, the children themselves. And the best part? You'll be getting paid while you do it!

Additionally, it's worth noting that numerous universities in Australia offer significant time reductions of 1-1.5 years for select Early Childhood degrees if you possess a recent or current Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. This not only translates to substantial savings on HECS fees but also allows you to earn a salary while simultaneously working and studying in Early Childhood. It's truly a win-win situation! Moreover, many Early Childhood and OSHC services are willing to provide educators with part-time or casual employment as they pursue their university education.

It's crucial to recognize the wide range of possibilities that a career in Early Childhood Education and Care can open up for you, extending beyond traditional pathways. While we certainly value and encourage educators to remain in the industry, it's equally exciting to consider the amazing opportunities that some educators may naturally gravitate towards.

If you have a passion for careers like leading fitness activities for children, providing disability support, ensuring child safety, working in paediatric healthcare, government administration roles, or ACECQA roles (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority), starting your journey in the Early Childhood Industry is a fantastic choice! The knowledge you gain about early childhood development, study methods and training skills, as well as the soft skills you acquire along the way, will be highly valuable in these professions and viewed positively in any future role you pursue. And the best part is that you can earn a salary while gaining this experience, potentially alongside your other studies.

Moreover, there is also an exciting avenue for those interested in Training and Assessing within the Early Childhood industry. At Venture Education, all of our Trainers and the majority of our support team have pursued this pathway. They have worked hard to obtain qualifications, including a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and have subsequently transitioned into Trainer roles or taken on administrative, operational, and compliance responsibilities. This pathway offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of future educators while utilizing your expertise in the field.

We've also had the pleasure of witnessing educators from diverse fields, such as physiotherapy, nursing, aged care, law, and emergency services, find their way into the Early Childhood Education and Care sector and begin their studies with Venture Education. These individuals were drawn to the rewarding aspects of their previous roles involving children and desired to continue making a positive impact in a nurturing environment. It's truly an honour to think about the influence we can have on children's lives before they embark on their school journey!

There has never been a better time to explore Traineeships and Apprenticeships in the Early Childhood Industry, with an abundance of opportunities available. What's more, some educators can take advantage of study fee waivers and subsidies, making it an even more enticing prospect. If you're ready to take the leap, don't hesitate to reach out to Venture Education for more information.