Future-proof Career in Early Learning

Media release

24 September 2021

A new national campaign will seek to entice secondary school students into the early learning and care sector.

Live today across YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook, the Big Roles in Little Lives campaign promotes the incredible impact early childhood professionals can have on children

This second phase of the campaign, run by the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA), encourages teenagers to consider a career that’s future-proof, with the opportunity to guide the learning and wellbeing of the next generation of Australians.

“We want people to know that early childhood teachers have never been more important for Australian children and families, and for the economy more broadly. These are roles with purpose, satisfaction and great career prospects,” said Elizabeth Death, CEO of ELACCA.

“We know that young Australians, in particular, have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with youth unemployment rates more than double that of the general population.

“But there is a great opportunity for young people in the booming sector of early learning and care. The Australian Government has forecast that demand for early learning and care will create an extra 23,900 jobs for early childhood professionals by 2025. This includes educators at every level, from Certificate III graduates up to degree-qualified early childhood teachers.

“Now is the perfect time for young people to enrol at a university or vocational education provider to study early childhood education in 2022.”

“A career in early learning means experiencing the deep satisfaction of undertaking genuinely important work, along with career advancement and leadership opportunities,” Ms Death said.

“Our message to young Australians is: enrol in an early childhood education qualification for 2022 and start your career adventure.”

To find out more, choose your own #CareerAdventure at www.elacca.org.au/students

Table 1: Job opportunities in ELACCA member services, at 27 August 2021

Source: ELACCA members