We are calling all ambitious Australians! Our country currently has a shortage of childcare workers, with 16,000 new professionals needed to address the skills gap. As a nation of pet lovers, this is a problem, as the number of people available to tend to our fluffy friends isn't where it needs to be.
The question is, do you have what it takes to work in childcare? It can be an incredibly challenging field but also amazingly rewarding. Here we attempt to answer that question during this blog, and we'll start by looking more closely at precisely what the position entails.
What Is The Role Of A Childcare Worker?
The primary duties of a childcare worker involve the supervision of children in a range of different governmental and private settings. This may be in a kindergarten, creche, childcare centre, women's shelter, or hospital, with the everyday duties including:
- Educating children
- Carrying out/coordinating outdoor recreational activities
- Supporting the social development of kids
- Playing games and reading
- Attending to hygiene issues
Each day will likely be very different from the last when you work in childcare settings. However, all your duties will typically revolve around the above.
How Much Does A Childcare Worker Make In Australia?
Averagely speaking, when employed in childcare roles in Australia, you can expect to earn in the region of $55k to $65k per annum. Where you will sit within that salary range will depend very much on how much experience you have, how many courses you have completed, and the setting in which you're employed. Either way, it's good money.
What Level Of Education Do I Need To Be A Childcare Worker In Australia?
Depending on the role you aspire to, you may need a course in Early Childhood Education. This online course provides both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience working with children. Other options include a course in School-Age Education and Care or a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Paid workers and volunteers may need to have a Working With Children Check, as well as a Police Background Check, due to the sensitive nature of the job. This check is continually monitored to consider changes in personal circumstances and needs to be renewed every five years.
Supplementing Your Learning With Short Courses
You won't learn everything there is to know on your TAFE course, and online learning, like our Education Childcare course, can help you to build your overall industry knowledge and add specialisms to your skillset. With no entry requirements, these CPD-Endorsed courses can be taken at your own pace, making you a much more rounded professional. You can even gain entry-level employment in the sector and can decide whether further studies are for you!
Learn To Work In Childcare With OCA Short Courses
It's easy to see why the noble childcare profession is as popular as in Australia. So, if you're considering it as a career option, there’s no better way to prepare yourself and build a solid knowledge base than with a video-based course from OCA. When you work in childcare, this invaluable resource can help you throughout your career. This will give you foot-in-door knowledge to get you started!
We offer a next-level learning experience that's a world away from traditional text-based alternatives. Watch our Student Study Demo, and every student gets 1-to-1 mentoring support and 24/7 tutorial assistance on a platform that actively encourages lifelong learning. It's why many of our students come back to us repeatedly.
Childcare courses are just one of more than 20 sectors covered by our online learning - something you can learn more about by visiting us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au. You can also view details of our selection of flexible payment plans designed to make our already cheap courses even more affordable.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to a member of our friendly team about your needs, we’ll be more than happy to assist. You can contact us by calling 1300 611 404 or emailing [email protected]. If it’s the latter, we aim to get back to you quickly.
