Training reaps jobs reward
JOBSEEKERS willing to put in the time at a legitimate training organisation are all but guaranteed work in the childcare industry.
There are more roles available than quality candidates can fill, so employers are snapping up workers who have completed qualifications with a reputable trainer.
Judy Atkinson, chief executive of Child Care Services Training, says employers know the difference between a qualified worker and someone who “virtually just bought the qualification” from a dodgy registered training organisation (RTO).
“They have shut down many (of these RTOs). However, we still have got people out there with those qualifications,” she says.
“There are some people not getting employed but it’s because their qualification is worthless. Anyone that gets a qualification from a reputable RTO will definitely get a job.”
Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland general manager Brent Stokes says there is a shortage of quality candidates as more childcare centres are being built and each needs on average 15 educators.
“It’s a good opportunity to gain employment but there is not enough quality qualified educators out there,” he says.
The minimum qualification for a childcare worker is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. However, a diploma is also available.
College for Australian Early Childhood Educators training and operations manager Richard Fimeri says the split at his college is about 80-20 in favour of the certificate, but increasing numbers of people are opting for the diploma.
Under the National Quality Framework, childcare employers must ensure 50 per cent of their workers are diploma-qualified. Still, Atkinson says employers generally prefer workers start with the certificate III then get their diploma after they have some experience.