Jobs in the Australian childcare industry
The childcare industry in Australia continues to grow, fuelling more job opportunities with a strong focus on metro areas, like Western Sydney, in line with population growth and expansion.
Childcare employment is a great place for a caring and responsible professional to make their career mark. And, with the right study and training behind you, you can be a success in any one of the many available childcare jobs. And, as you continue your education and qualifications, more doors open in the sector.
While opinions vary, anywhere between 1.3 and 1.5 million children aged under 12 years old are in regular child care nationally. With the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting around 750,000 children attend child care and about 1 million children attend informal care. It’s an $11.3 billion industry that’s due to grow by 41% over the next 5 years – compared with 6.9% across other occupations.
“Childcare is a stable industry for those seeking a profession with longevity and consistency. In the past 10 years, we’ve seen huge changes in the industry. Not just from regulations and the need for certification and qualifications, but also demand and opportunities within the industry”, commented BCCI Principal, Nadine Guthrie.
What qualifications are required?
The standards in the sector are improving continuously and key qualifications are helping to drive that. Some qualifications are mandatory for some of the roles. Here’s a snap shot of the more popular courses.
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care- Suitable for both new entrants wanting to get started in Childcare and those with some childcare experience who are seeking to formalise their knowledge
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care - This course will allow you to potentially take on a supervisor or management role in early childhood education and care, preparing you to establish a safe and healthy environment and design and evaluate programs for children.
Career Opportunities
Regardless of whether you’re new to the industry or experienced, younger or more mature, there are multiple opportunities in the childcare industry, which will continue to grow and develop with the Australian population. Typically, the core roles are:
- Child Care Worker
- Family Day Care Worker
- Nanny
- Out of School Hours Care Worker
- Childcare centre administration or management
- Training or teaching.
We are in the middle of a childcare boom and career opportunities can be found right across the country. There’s no shortage of jobs for qualified childcare professionals and no sign of that changing anytime soon. Very few industries can make that claim.
Colleges such as the BCCI offers those interested in early childhood education and care careers the opportunity to study to gain the necessary qualifications balanced with on the job placement experience to facilitate your entry into the industry. Or, to take on further study to progress your career and value in the market.
It’s a flexible and rewarding career. To find out more, click here.
Source: Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, Department of Employment trend data to November 2015 and projections to 2020. IBISWorld.com.au.
