Media releases

Ballarat and Wimmera residents can take advantage of the growing demand for skilled workers in the childcare industry with two new Free TAFE programs in early childhood education being offered at Federation TAFE in 2020. 

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP has launched the new Certificate III and Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care programs at the Federation Children’s Centre at the university’s Mount Helen campus, with enrolments now open. 

Early childhood services play an important role in nurturing the development of all infants and children attending childcare.  

Graduates will be qualified to assist in children’s wellbeing learning and development and be able to work in pre-school centres, long day care and family day care centres. 

The programs will be delivered by Federation TAFE from semester one this year. 

The Certificate III will be taught over one year and the Diploma taught over two years or part time equivalent.  

Free TAFE for priority courses reduces the financial barrier for students wanting to train in courses that lead to jobs in demand. 

Picture: Michaela Settle MP, student Susan Dahal, Andrew Henwood 

Quotes attributable to Acting Executive Director, Federation TAFE, Andrew Henwood 

“Early childhood education is a crucial period for any young child. There is strong demand for qualified practitioners so now is an ideal time to enrol in one of our Early Childhood Education and Care programs.”  

“Federation’s highly qualified teaching staff will provide incoming students with the skills and training they require to pursue an exciting and rewarding career.”  

“The Victorian Government’s Free TAFE program will allow prospective students to have minimal expenses as they undertake their studies.”  

Quotes attributable Early Childhood and Education graduate and current staff member at Federation Children’s Centres, Emerson Tolliday 

“I wanted to pursue a career that made a difference and working in Early Childhood seemed like an obvious choice. Every child should be provided with opportunities for growth and the chance to learn.”  

“It’s not just the children who are learning, I am also learning and that’s what makes my job so interesting.” 

“I completed the Diploma and it was very rewarding. The teachers in early childhood provided a variety of different perspectives in approaching the children’s development. I learned a lot from them due to their approachable nature and unique teaching styles.”