Deciding to change careers can be a bumpy road, and there's a lot to think about.

How do you know if you're making the right decision? Is a career in education or childcare right for you? How will you generate enough income to pay your way while getting a foot in the door in your new industry? What will the long term career opportunities be in your new profession? There's a lot to consider, and it can be overwhelming which is why we've put together a simple plan to help you go from your couch to professional in your new career.

Here's a quick checklist to give you an overview of what you need to start planning

Choose the Qualification that's right for you (from the couch of course)

To commence work in an early childhood education and care environment you'll need to be enroled in, and working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The Certificate III is 12 months full time, and the Diploma is 24 months full time. While the Certificate III is all that is required to work as a childcare educator, if you have your sights set on working your way up the ladder, it would make sense to enrol straight into the Diploma as you'll need a Diploma to land a leadership position. Read on for some more information on choosing the right qualification for you.

Fees and Funding

Look into your options for fees and funding. You may be eligible to study of free or at a heavily discounted rate. You can view all of our funding options on this page.

Find an employer

To complete your qualification, whether you choose a Certificate III or a Diploma, you'll be required to complete work placement hours. In order to do so, you'll need to find an employer that is happy for you to complete your work placement at their workplace. One of the many great advantages to studying with Venture Education is that our approach to assessing competencies is very practical through observation in the workplace, meaning that your study time outside of your work placement is minimal. 

The other option for completing work placement is to enter the workforce as an apprentice or trainee. Which means you'll have paid work while you complete your qualification, winning! As an added bonus, the QLD Government is offering free apprenticeships for Under 21's - view our fees and funding information page to see if you're eligible.

Build your network

An essential part of becoming established in your new profession is building your network. The more people you connect with, the more you'll learn and be exposed to future opportunities. Your network doesn't need to be huge; you might start by making an effort to get to know everyone at the centre or business where you're working or completing your vocation placement.

Keep Learning

If you want a successful career with endless opportunity, it's a great idea to "take the bull by the horns" when it comes to your ongoing learning and professional development. Keep on top of industry information and additional courses to continue to build your skills. At Venture Education, we offer three additional skill sets, which are a perfect addition to your ongoing learning after you've completed your qualification. These skill sets include:

• Team Leader Skill Set
• Building Inclusive Practices Skill Set
• Supporting Children and Families with Complex Needs Skill Set

To find out more about our courses, download our course guide, or head to the courses page on our website. 

Venture Education is Queensland's leading early childhood education provider; we offer nationally recognised qualifications for people wanting to work on their career pathway in the early childhood education and care industry.