NACC180277 - Career Taster: Early Years and Education Support
Overview
This Career Taster gives you practical, real-world experience to help you discover whether a pathway in early childhood and education support is right for you.
You will explore what it’s really like to create safe, engaging and inclusive learning spaces for children from birth to 12 years. This taster is perfect if you’re curious about careers such as teacher aide, early childhood assistant, inclusion support worker or educational support roles across school and childcare environments.
Definitions of our ACC, NACC and PDC short course codes.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
Through exposure to child development principles, inclusive practices, and classroom support techniques, students will develop a foundational understanding of learning environments and student needs. While relevant to teacher aides and early childhood educators, these insights also apply to community services, disability support, recreation programs, and community engagement initiatives. Students will gain experience in planning, observation, and communication, helping them build an understanding of diversity and supporting future opportunities in both formal and informal learning environments.
Structure & Availability
Career Taster
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 5 days |
This non-accredited Career Taster program is delivered face-to-face over five consecutive days at your enrolled CQUniversity campus.
Step into the world of education and early childhood to discover what it’s really like to support children as they learn, play and grow. This Career Taster gives you experience in environments similar to real classrooms and early learning centres. Across the week you’ll take part in practical activities that help you explore how children develop, how learning experiences are planned, and how educators create safe, supportive and inclusive spaces. You’ll learn about behaviour support, child development, observation techniques and the important role support workers play in both school and early childhood settings.
Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| NUCRT277A | WHS and Introduction to Early Years and Education Support |
| NUCRT277B | Child Development & Inclusive Practices |
| NUCRT277C | Classroom Support & Planning Skills |
Career Taster
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| July, 2026 | Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
| August, 2026 | Emerald, Mackay, Rockhampton |
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
Enrolment in this course is subject to meeting the funding eligibility criteria for Career Tasters. Please see the Fees and Scholarships tab for more information.
Important information
- PPE must be worn at all times when directed by CQUniversity staff.
- Students who do not wear the required PPE will not be able to participate in practical activities
Fees & Scholarships
The following Career Tasters course is made available at no cost to eligible year 10 Queensland students, thanks to the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
To be eligible to participate, students must be 15 to 17 years of age by the commencement of the month of their chosen intake and one of the following:
- a Year 10 student currently enrolled in a mainstream Queensland school including Home Education.
- enrolled in a Special Assistance School
- disengaged from school
Students participate by completing one Career Taster at a time, and may participate in a maximum of two Career Tasters in total.
Additional eligibility criteria apply, visit Career Tasters to learn more.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Start Your Application
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
This course is a highly competitive course with limited places available and is subject to change based on availability.
