Childcare student Breeanne encourages others to meet the growing demand for staff

The demand for kindergarten and daycare educators is growing and CQU TAFE Early Childhood Education and Care student Breeanne Brereton is one of many eager to meet that demand.

Recently the Queensland Government announced more than 4,200 additional Central Queensland families will receive free kindy in 2024.

Set to save families up to $4,600 a year, a $645.4 million budget boost will make kindy free for every Queensland family – and take the government’s total investment in kindy to $2 billion over the next four years.

The announcement is also a ripe opportunity for people looking to enter the childcare workforce, with the Queensland Government’s Fee-Free TAFE program making training readily available.

Breeanne decided to study the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, one of several courses available through the Fee-Free TAFE program through CQUniversity TAFE. 

“I choose to pursue my childcare course as it’s something I enjoy doing,” she said. 

“I’ve always loved young children and watching them grow. I love the aspects of being one of their role models in their young learning lives.”

Bree’s choice has already paid off, as she’s secured casual employment at Green Leaves Early Learning Centre. 

“I’m absolutely in love with the centre and how they work with the frameworks. The qualified staff are amazing to work with as I can learn very easily from them.”

She said although she only started the course a few months ago, she was enjoying how it complemented her role. 

“I’m only a couple of modules in and I’m still learning the format of it all, but so far, I’m loving it. 

CQU Deputy Vice-President for VET and Business Development Peter Heilbuth said with the Queensland Government ramping up its funding of childcare and early education, it was the perfect time to consider CQU TAFE.

“CQU’s Childcare courses are led by industry professionals with decades of experience. Not only that the Fee-Free TAFE program means that in most cases the training is fully subsidised, depending on eligibility,” he said.

“Essentially that means you’ll acquire work-ready relevant skills for free. It’s a great opportunity for people looking to join a thriving industry.”

Breeanne said her goal was to use the childhood studies as a stepping stone to becoming a primary school teacher.

“People should study childcare at CQU because the learning modules are easy to understand, it’s easy to get help from your teachers and just overall a great learning space,” she said.

For more information visit www.cqu.edu.au/tafe