Category: Career Growth

Childcare Work Placement: What to Expect

A student in early childhood education and care at work placement interacting with children

Work placement is a vital part of any early childhood education and care qualification, offering students hands-on experience in real-life childcare settings. For those pursuing a career in this field, childcare work placement is an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, familiarise with practical problem-solving, and gain confidence to progress into the workforce.

If you are soon to commence your childcare work placement, here are 5 things you can expect!

5 Things to Expect in Childcare Work Placement

1. Hands-on Experience

During your placement, you’ll have the chance to carry out crucial care tasks alongside experienced educators who will support and mentor you. These tasks may range from engaging in children’s play, setting up and organizing activities, assisting with mealtime routines, to reading stories and guiding children through creative art and craft projects.

These responsibilities will give you the opportunity to get accustomed to the daily rhythms of a childcare setting and apply the knowledge acquired with guidance from your fellow staff members.

2. Experience Diverse Childcare Settings

According to the Department of Education and Training Victoria, placements are designed to provide aspiring childcare educators with a comprehensive understanding of different educational settings. From daycare centers, kindergartens, to preschools, be prepared to immerse yourself in a variety of childcare environments that will facilitate a versatile skill set.

3. Learn as You Go

As you’re starting out, you might not have the perfect execution of everything. Expect to receive feedback from experienced supervisors throughout your placement, who are willing to mentor, give you guidance, and help you navigate the challenges of working with young children. This supervision is essential for helping you reflect on your practice, improve over time, and reach personal goals along your journey, so be ready to learn with an open mindset.

4. Developing Key Skills

Expect to develop a wide range of essential skills during your childcare work placement, including:

Childcare program planning: Designing activities that are educational, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
Communication: Interacting with children, parents, and colleagues to foster a positive learning environment.
Child safety: Ensuring a safe environment by following health and safety regulations.
Observation and reporting: Documenting children’s behavior and development to assess their progress.

5. Maintaining Professionalism

Even though you might not be fulfilling an official role during your placement, it is crucial to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude. This means arriving on time, dressing appropriately, and adhering to the guidelines and policies of the hosting childcare center. Additionally, being proactive in helping out with tasks and showing enthusiasm for learning will not only help you integrate smoothly into the team but also help you get the most out of your placement experience.

Having a Supported Placement Journey

Your placement is an invaluable steppingstone towards a rewarding career in early childhood education. It provides you with real-world experience and allows you to network with professionals in the industry, often leading to promising future employment opportunities.

At GBCA, we understand that securing a placement can be challenging. That’s why we offer comprehensive support throughout your course. We arrange work placements for our students at no extra cost, ensuring you gain the practical experience needed to excel. Additionally, our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills required to enter the industry with confidence.

Ready to take the next step in your early childhood education career? Explore our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course and reach out today for any enquiries!

Top 5 Bookkeeping Skills in Demand 2024

Bookkeepers are a crucial part for any for businesses, helping maintain accurate financial records and ensure smooth operations. As businesses grow and regulations evolve, the demand for certain bookkeeping skills continues to rise. Whether you’re looking to enter the field or enhance your abilities, here are the top bookkeeping skills that are sought for in a bookkeeper’s resume!

Top Bookkeeping Skills in Demand 2024

1. Financial Record Keeping

One of the core responsibilities of a bookkeeper is maintaining accurate financial records. This involves tracking expenses, revenue, and ensuring all financial transactions are properly documented. With the rise of digital tools, proficiency in software like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks is now essential for efficient record keeping. Accurate records help businesses make informed financial decisions, and this skill is the backbone of successful bookkeeping.

2. Understanding of Taxation Rules

Bookkeepers are often tasked with managing tax-related matters for businesses, particularly preparing for tax filing and handling business activity statements (BAS). Knowledge of Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) and tax obligations is crucial for compliance. Bookkeepers who stay updated on tax laws can help businesses avoid penalties and ensure smooth tax reporting.

3. Payroll Management

Handling payroll is another crucial bookkeeping skill. This includes calculating wages, managing employee benefits, and ensuring correct deductions. A strong grasp of payroll software and compliance with Fair Work regulations is essential for businesses to avoid legal issues. Staying informed on award rates, superannuation, and leave entitlements in Australia is key to payroll accuracy. You can refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman for details on payroll obligations.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting

Beyond record-keeping, bookkeepers are now expected to provide insightful financial reports. Data analysis is becoming an in-demand skill as businesses require regular updates on their financial health. This includes generating balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other key reports that provide a clear picture of the business’s financial performance. Proficiency in Excel and accounting software reporting features can significantly improve a bookkeeper’s ability to support strategic decision-making.

5. Attention to Detail and Accuracy

The nature of bookkeeping demands a high level of precision. Errors in financial records can lead to significant issues, including incorrect tax filings or payroll errors. Attention to detail ensures accuracy in tracking and reconciling transactions, which helps avoid financial discrepancies. This skill is non-negotiable for every professional bookkeeper, and developing it can set you apart in the field.

Develop Your Bookkeeping Skills with GBCA’s Self-Paced Course

As the demand for highly skilled bookkeepers grows, there’s no better time to invest in your education. The self-paced Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping program offered by GBCA provides a flexible way to develop these in-demand skills while working at your own pace. The course is nationally accredited, and with experienced trainers from the industry, you’ll gain hands-on experience in bookkeeping practices that meet industry standards.

Reach out and start your journey to becoming a qualified bookkeeper today!

Bookkeeping Bookkeeping skills certificate iv in accounting and bookkeeping

Top 5 Responsibilities of a Support Worker in Australia

A disability or aged care support worker holding the hands of an elderly client

Embarking on a career as a support worker is both rewarding and impactful. However, it comes with great responsibilities for the individuals you support. In this blog, we will explore the five main responsibilities and obligations of support staff working in aged care or disability care. Keep reading to find out more!

1. Personal Care and Support

Support workers assist clients with personal tasks they may not be able to do independently, always with the utmost respect. These tasks may include hygiene activities such as showering, toileting, and dressing, and helping clients maintain their appearance. Additionally, support workers often assist with domestic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation, and they may accompany clients to appointments and outings.

It is crucial for support workers to avoid judgement or belittlement. Their primary goal is to make everyday tasks easier and help care receivers lead the lives they want.

2. Emotional and Social Support

A support worker’s responsibilities extend beyond completing daily tasks; they also provide emotional and social support. By creating a safe and secure environment, support workers allow care receivers to relax, discuss their issues, and feel understood. This environment fosters open communication, enabling support workers to offer advice and emotional support.

Support workers should be able to identify triggers and stressors affecting their clients and propose coping strategies where appropriate. Additionally, they can provide social support by organising outings, such as trips to the supermarket, or group activities, like park visits, to foster friendships and social connections.

3. Promoting Independence

While assisting with daily tasks is important, support workers also have the responsibility to impart knowledge and skills that help care receivers develop independence. Encouraging decision-making and collaboration is key to this process.

Support workers should lead with positivity, as emotions like hope and happiness are contagious and can make it easier for individuals to embrace change and build independence. This responsibility is vital for enhancing the quality of life of those they support and aiding them in improving their prospects.

4. Documentation and Reporting

Support workers are required to keep up-to-date documentation and reports, including incident reports, medication logs, concerns, progress made by the client, and relevant interactions. Accurate documentation is essential for planning future care and making informed decisions. As support workers are legally responsible for providing truthful and accurate documentation, it is essential that these reports are current and correct.

5. Healthcare Support

Support workers may assist with the administration of medication, interpreting medication charts, checking dosage requirements, maintaining hygiene and safety, and avoiding medication errors. The scope of healthcare responsibilities can vary but may include ensuring that clients take their necessary medication.

As we have shared, the five main responsibilities of a support worker encompass multiple aspects and require a diverse skill set. If you are an aspiring caregiver, it is essential to undergo a training program that equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Enrol in GBCA’s Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability Support to embark on a rewarding career as a support worker today!

aged care worker certificate iii in individual support certificate IV in disability support disability support worker individual support worker

All you need to know about a Disability Support Worker

Disability Support Worker can be an extremely rewarding career as you’re assisting others to experience a more enabling life every day. What does the day-to-day look like for a Disability Support Worker, what is their average salary expectation and what are the requirements to becoming one? In this article, we are going to provide some insights into the career of a Disability Support Worker.

Daily tasks of a Disability Support Worker

As a support worker, your main tasks will vary according to the personal needs of each client; nevertheless, the scope of work usually includes the following tasks:

1. Assisting with mobility and movement from and to places, gatherings or social events

Clients may need assistance with movement from and to places, for instance their home, gatherings or social events. Support workers can work with a range of mobility vehicles such as wheelchairs, hoists, or cars.

2. Assisting with communication

Difficulties or inabilities in communication may occur from clients’ mental or physical conditions. A Disability Support Worker’s responsibility is to comprehend the clients’ needs and requests, as well as to act as a bridge of communication.

3. Personal care tasks

Clients may need assistance in performing everyday tasks such as eating, bathing or getting dressed. A support worker should acquire their daily routines and how to assist with such tasks efficiently.

4. Peripheral tasks

If you are a Disability Support Worker working in the domestic realm, your scope of work can also extend to light housework tasks such as meal prepping or cleaning.

5. Providing companionship and emotional support

As someone working closely with clients on a daily basis, disability support workers can be a consistent source of emotional support for clients. Providing a sense of companionship beyond mere care service can establish meaningful relationships between the care giver and the care receiver.

Employer types

As a Disability Support Worker, you have the chance to explore flexible working arrangements, which can include:

Working for a disability service provider organisation.
Direct employment by a client with disability under a NDIS plan.
Work under temporary short-term contracts.
Work as a sole trader and establish your own business.

Salary expectations

The average salary for a Disability Support Worker in Australia is $67,421 per year or $34.58 per hour. Entry-level workers can expect $62,215 per year, and as their level of skills and experience move up the ladder, they can expect up to $99,091 per year.

Skill requirements

Alongside an interest in helping people to reach their potential and live the life they want, there are a range of desirable skills and attributes for a Disability Support Worker:

Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Planning and organising skills
Literacy, basic numeracy and computer skills
Reliability and trustworthy, with flexibility to handle novel situations

Furthermore, while there are entry-level positions that don’t require qualifications, it is recommended that prospective disability workers undergo training to equip themselves with the appropriate knowledge and skills before stepping into the workforce. A qualification that will facilitate your pathway as well as bring the essential skills into practice is the Certificate IV in Disability.

Being a Disability Support Worker requires timely and effective responses to individual needs, which is why The Certificate IV in Disability covers the fundamental practical knowledge that enables students to provide the most appropriate responses, such as recognising healthy body systems, providing person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs or recognising and responding to crisis situations. To enhance and implement acquired knowledge, students also undergo 120 hours of work placement that thoroughly prepares them to step into the future role of Disability Support Worker.

If you have an interest in supporting the lives of others and is ready to start making a difference today, enrol in the The Certificate IV in Disability or contact us at enquiries@gbca.edu.au for any further enquiries.

How to Become a Personal Care Assistant

As the demand for aged care is forecasted to significantly increase within the next 40 years, it is also anticipated that there will be a rising need for personal care assistants. What are the responsibilities and work expectations of a personal care assistant, and how do you become one? Let’s explore through this blog.

Main responsibilities of a personal care assistant

A personal care assistant performs the following tasks:

Assists with their client’s day-to-day personal care tasks such as showering, grooming, dressing, feeding, movement, communication.
Takes part in care planning tailored to each patient’s needs.
Carries out therapy plans for patients with mental or behavioural conditions.
Monitors and makes a record of patient’s conditions.
Assists with patient’s medical needs which might include doing rehabilitation exercises and taking medications.

Salary expectations

According to the latest pay guide updates from the The Fair Work Ombudsman, the full-time hourly pay rate for an entry-level personal care assistant is $27.57, which equates to $1,047.60 per week. Senior personal care assistants can earn up to $33.40 per hour, which is $1,269.10 per week. Weekend rates range from $41.36 – $58.45 and public holiday rates range from $68.93 – $83.50 depending on your level of seniority.

How to become a personal care assistant

Becoming a personal care assistant is an enduring yet extremely rewarding learning process, where you are attaining skills to help improve the quality of others’ lives. To embark on your journey to becoming a personal care assistant, take your first step to attain the essential qualifications and enrol in the Certificate III in Individual Support today.

The Certificate III in Individual Support course structure provides students with both the understanding of theoretical aspects and the procedure practices involved in person-centred support, which are the foundations for achieving proficiency in caregiving.

With units covering a wide range of different topics regarding personal care assistance such as providing support for people with dementia, complying with infection prevention, or implementing person-centred behaviour support, students are equipped with the understanding of fundamental aged care practices and the knowledge to tackle multiple challenging real-life situations when working with patients.

A personal care assistant’s work proficiency also depends largely on work experience, which is directly proportional to accumulated problem-solving knowledge and judgment abilities in unanticipated events. Participating in the Certificate III in Individual Support, students will undergo 120 hours of placement as part of assessment requirements. Through this chance of directly working with clients, students will gain hands-on experience and practice of daily care tasks that will help them be job-ready for their future career as a personal care assistant.

Ready to enrol and start your journey to becoming a personal care assistant? Get in touch with us now via enquiries@gbca.edu.au.

Websites for volunteer and internship

Must-Known Websites to Find Volunteer and Internship Opportunities for Your Graduate Employment Application in Australia

Employers in Australia place a high priority on relevant work experience when hiring candidates, and as a young graduate, acquiring work experience can be challenging. Fortunately, two of the most effective ways to gain experience are through internships and volunteer work. In this article, we’ll outline some of the best websites for finding these opportunities in Australia.

Finding Volunteer Work

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 31% of the Australian population over the age of 15 has been or is currently involved in volunteer work. Participating in volunteer work can offer numerous benefits for students, especially for those studying abroad. It can help you exercise your English-speaking, writing, and communication skills, widen your network, gain experience and multiple capabilities in unknown work fields, and make your resume more impressive, as volunteer experience is highly valued in Australia.

Before looking for volunteer jobs, it’s recommended that you check the official website of Volunteering Victoria, where you can learn about various information and support linked to volunteer services and prepare for the task at hand. Here are some of the most popular websites for finding volunteer opportunities in Australia:

Seek Volunteer (https://www.volunteer.com.au/): Seek, one of Australia’s major job search websites, also posts volunteer opportunities. After joining the website, you can choose whether you want to work online or offline, as well as the region and job type you wish to work in.
GoVolunteer (https://govolunteer.com.au/): GoVolunteer is a start-up website for volunteer services in Australia. The types of volunteer services on the website are divided into detailed categories, such as large-scale event volunteers, student volunteers, environmental protection volunteers, emergency volunteers, etc., allowing you to quickly find suitable positions according to your needs.
Be Collective (https://www.becollective.com/): Be Collective is a website dedicated to finding volunteers for non-profit organizations (NGOs). It allows you to volunteer with internationally known organizations, and you can potentially work in NGOs for an extended period in the future.
Vollie (https://www.vollie.com.au/): Vollie is a website that offers online volunteer opportunities. You can gain volunteer job experience without leaving your house or at different hours and locations by simply clicking “Volunteer Now” after you arrive at the homepage.

Finding Internships

Internship experience for graduates seeking employment in Australia is significant. However, it can be challenging to find internships on commonly used websites in Australia. Although many websites post numerous positions, most employers require applicants to have extensive work experience. Here are some internship-focused websites for recent grads to help you rapidly locate internships rather than searching for a needle in a haystack:

GradConnection (https://au.gradconnection.com/): This website collects internships and graduate jobs, including Graduate Program positions at large corporations such as the “Big Four,” which can be quite useful.
Grad Australia (https://gradaustralia.com.au/): Grad Australia features a vast range of internship and graduate career opportunities. The website’s categorization is clear and simple to navigate, and there is an overview of government workshops on job hunting and graduate assessments of prominent employers. It is a resource-rich and easy platform for grads seeking employment.
Hatch (https://www.hatch.team/): Hatch is a website for recruiting students and recent grads. You can search for positions that match your qualifications based on categories such as internship, junior, long-term, short-term, etc. After registering, you will take a 30-minute to one-hour online exam, based on the results of which you be matched with relevant jobs and notified when suitable positions become available in the future. Every internship is paid.
Stint (https://www.stintcommunity.com/job-board): Stint, which was founded by the University of Melbourne students, focuses on providing international students with jobs and internships. It is presently the largest job-searching website for overseas students in Australia. Due to its focus on international students, the primary feature of Stint is that it lists the PR criteria for various jobs; nonetheless, the majority of positions listed on its website do not require PR. It is ideal for students with no PR who have recently graduated.

GBCA career centre is here to help

Keep in touch with our Career Centre, which offers regular career seminars, trainings, career assistance, 1:1 consultant and internship opportunities for GBCA students, which is an excellent opportunity for your career development. We hope all students can find volunteer and/or internships that they enjoy and build sound resumes.

Next time, we will share some tips for applying for internships and volunteer opportunities, as well as how to make the most of internship and volunteer experiences to land your first real job.

Six tips on how to effectively study online

At GBCA, students have the option of undertaking a variety of courses online. Because you can study from any location and any time, the online learning option has increased your freedom to achieve more. It can take some time to acclimate for someone new to online learning. With no lectures or seminars to physically attend, your ability to mentally prioritise and take command of your studies is put to the test. GBCA gathers six tips for effective online learning to help you quickly adapt to this study mode:

1. Manage your time and study plan.

If you do not have strong time management skills, the freedom of attending online classes can be counterproductive. It is critical to understand what is expected of you at each semester stage, including any important dates and deadlines.

A little upfront admin labour will pay dividends when you’re deep in an assignment mindset. Examine the syllabus at the beginning of the semester and prepare a list of significant assignments. Put them on a calendar that you frequently check to know what work is coming up in the following weeks. Your calendar should include the following:

Your assessment deadlines with colour-coded for each subject.
Links to your online lectures and workshops.
Any critical dates from your academic calendar, such as online orientation, webinars, etc.

2. Prepare everything you need before the lecture or workshop.

Before you begin your subject, make sure you have everything ready and accessible. At the start of each semester, create a folder for each subject.

Create three subfolders within these folders:

Briefs for assessment.
Lecture slides for printout ahead to take notes.
Content – saved journal articles, textbook chapters, videos, quizzes, and other documents connected to that subject.

3. Set up a regular study area and remove possible distractions.

When creating a separate learning environment for studying, you’ll develop a routine by doing your tasks there regularly. When arranging your study place, be sure that you:

Have a fast internet connection
Have all of the necessary texts, resources, and software for the course.
Use headphones to hear lectures or debates (significant in shared spaces)
Consider turning off your phone and downloading a website blocker to avoid losing attention.

4. Take advantage of technology.

Make use of the technology available to enhance your online studying experience. Utilize tools such as note-taking apps, flashcard programs, and interactive learning platforms to keep your study sessions interesting and effective.

5. Actively participate and ask questions.

Active participation in the course can assist you in better understanding course materials and engaging with classmates. You’ll get much more out of your online experience by interacting and asking questions.

The following are the best places to ask questions:

Live workshops – this is a terrific way to ask ‘face-to-face’ like questions because they allow for more interactive activities and will enable you to ask any follow-up questions.
Subject forums – questions can be answered by other students, not just lecturers, which can enhance your learning experience greatly.
Student experience (such as phone or email) – the support team at your institute is available to assist you with a wide range of queries and issues, not just academic ones.

And, if you notice yourself slipping behind, speak up. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask enquiries or report problems with an assignment. Send an email to your lecturer and ask for assistance.

6. Leverage your network.

Online classes may give the impression that you are learning on your own. In fact, most online courses are designed with collaboration in mind, with professors and instructors actively encouraging students to work together to complete projects and discuss topics.

Introduce yourself to other students and participate in online discussion boards to build relationships. Your peers can be a great resource when preparing for tests or seeking feedback on papers. Don’t be hesitant to approach them about forming a virtual study group. They are likely to appreciate it just as much as you would.

Study online course with GBCA

Online studying is a great option for those who need flexibility in education. However, it’s important to establish a routine, stay organized, and make use of the tools and resources available to you. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful online study experience. If you are looking for flexible education and are ready for online study, starting your adventure with GBCA will enhance your career achievements. Furthermore, many GBCA courses are granted by the Victoria government skill first funding. If you are eligible, your tuition fee will be waived.

Please visit our website for online study options and course information.

What is disability support and how can you become a disability support worker? 

How an individual support course prepares you for an aged care job

What is disability support? 

Disability support is a role to care for people with disabilities in the community or a residential setting. 

A disability support worker may be ideal for you if you appreciate hands-on learning and have the motivation, willingness, and ambition to pursue a job that will allow you to make a positive impact in another person’s life.

What are the job titles in disability support? 

The disability support roles include:

Disability support worker, team leader or supervisor
Community outreach worker
Day support disability officer
Behavioural support office 
Social educator (disability)
Disability employment officer
Residential care officer

What are the everyday tasks of a disability support worker? 

A disability support worker assists people in leading independent, productive lives and achieving their everyday goals. Typical tasks may include:

Helping people with daily activities
Determining the requirements of clients and planning, designing, and implementing educational, training, and support programmes
Companionship and assistance with shopping
Creating and coordinating instructional activities
Providing workplace assistance
Communicating with family members, carers, and health care providers, and monitoring for physical and mental health changes

Why start a career in disability support? We summarise three reasons for you. 

1. Job security. 

Healthcare and social assistance are the industries that employ the most people in Australia right now. This fast-growing sector provides a plethora of job opportunities. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the number of disability/welfare support workers is predicted to expand rapidly over the next five years, potentially reaching 94,700 by 2026. The average salary for disability support workers nationally is $1265/week.

(Source: Jobs and Skills Australia)

2. Job flexibility.

A career in disability support provides you with a lot of job flexibility, including work hours and location. You have the option of working in various places, and you also have the option of working intimately with people in care facilities, rehabilitation centres, or individuals’ homes. Support worker jobs are also available full-time, part-time and casual if you want flexibility in your working hours.

3. Rewarding career.

Working directly with persons who require assistance in their daily lives is extremely satisfying, and a career in disability support provides daily opportunities to assist others in living their lives to the fullest. Now you know the expectation of the disability support worker and you agree it’s a career for you. 

How to become a disability support worker in Australia? What skills do you need?

To start a meaningful career in the disability sector, you must first acquire the necessary theories, skills, and practices. Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability are two nationally recognised qualifications that are highly sought after by employers in the care industry. Certificate III in Individual Support will prepare you to provide individualised, person-centred support to people with disabilities.

Certificate IV in Disability is a higher level of competence in disability support. The course includes 14 units, some of which are covered in more depth than in Certificate III. You will also have the opportunity to apply your skills in a broader variety of situations. For example, one core unit in Certificate III teaches you to work legally and ethically, while a similar unit in Certificate IV teaches you to manage legal and ethical compliance, preparing you for a supervisory role. There are two units in common with the Certificate III in Individual Support and the Diploma of Community Services. If you have completed them before, you can have those two units waived when you enrol in Certificate IV in Disability and may obtain the qualification in a shorter timeframe. The other 12 units are highly relevant to disability support.

Both qualifications require students to complete at least 120 hours of work placement as part of the course requirements. You will work at a disability facility, an aged care facility, and/or a community care setting to practice what you learn in class.

GBCA offers both Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability under the Victorian government’s Skills First funding. If you are eligible, your tuition fee will be subsidised and you will only need to pay a $50 enrollment fee. At GBCA, we understand the industry and will assist you in finding a work placement. Our work placement coordinator, GBCA trainers, and the student will work together to secure a work placement. Once you are marked satisfactory in the required units, you can complete an online application form for a work placement. You can indicate your availability and preferred location. We will endeavour to place you in an aged care facility, a disability facility, and a community care setting of your choice.

Please explore our website to discover the curriculum and enrollment details for the Certificate IV in Disability program: https://gbca.edu.au/courses/certificate-iv-in-disability/

All you need to know to become a Childcare worker

If working with kids is something you would enjoy, being a childcare worker would be perfect for you. A child’s early years are crucial, childcare workers are of great importance as they will be responsible for supporting the child’s development of motor, sensory, and social skills. In the childcare industry, you have the unique opportunity to support and nurture children through the various stages of their development.

A career in the childcare industry is highly rewarding. Aside from its benefits to the child and society, a typical childcare worker in Australia earns an average annual salary of $55,000[1]. Besides the financial rewards, a career in the childcare industry is also attractive. It is fulfilling because of the strong bonds with each child, and the opportunity to watch them learn and grow. It is in high demand.

Recommended Read: How Much Do Childcare Educators Earn in Victoria

The job growth is projected to be 10.2% over the next five years,[1] or over 30,000 new jobs[2]. A career in the childcare industry can be easy to access as the entry-level qualifications are quick to complete, with flexible study options available for candidates. There are several pathways to grow while working in the industry.

Does it sound right fit to you? Then here are the important things to consider in becoming a childcare provider soon:

Get Qualified!

The more qualified you are, the more you can work in different settings. This will also allow you to progress even further in your career through to more senior roles. There are different childcare education certifications to choose from, such as:

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)
Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care (CHC40113)
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)

Work Placement of 120 Hours

All nationally recognised childcare qualifications in Australia require a prospective childcare professional to complete a work placement, which is at least 120 hours for Certificate III holders. It is compulsory and should be no extra charge to you.

At GBCA, we guarantee work placement for our students, offering a great opportunity for them to practice what they learn in the classroom, and to experience what your day is like as a childcare worker. A lot of our students get job offers during work placements.

First-Aid Certification

As per the requirements of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA),[2] at least one staff member or supervisor is on-site at all times with a first-aid response. So, while not required, it is always a good idea to get a first-aid certificate. This may include CPR, anaphylaxis, and asthma awareness and response training. With a first-aid certification, employers are more likely to hire you since it will make staff scheduling a bit easier.

Police & The Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Last but not least, you will need to obtain two checks before you start your course, one is the Working with Children Check (WWCC), another one is a Police check.

Getting the qualifications required for childcare education is the first step to success. If you are searching for a starting point, look no further and enrol at Global Business College of Australia (GBCA)! GBCA offers Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).

Certificate III holders will receive credit exemption of up to 13 units – allowing you to fast-track the advancement of your career in this rewarding industry.

References:

[1] https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/childcare-worker

[2] https://www.training.com.au/ed/becoming-a-child-care-worker/

[3] https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/careers/why-how-to-become-a-childcare-worker

[4] https://www.gostudy.com.au/blog/a-career-in-childcare-in-australia/

[5] https://www.tafensw.edu.au/article/-/blogs/how-to-get-a-job-in-childcare

[6] https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/how-to-become-an-accredited-child-care-worker-in-australia-careers-in-child-care

[7] https://www.ihna.edu.au/blog/2016/09/essential-training-childcare-workers-australia/

How much can I earn as a Childcare educator in Victoria

This article was updated in October 2023 to reflect the latest data.

Early childhood education is an industry offering great potential for career growth and financial reward. The wages and salaries of childcare workers in Australia are governed by the Children Services Award (2010) published by the Fair Work Commission, which outlines the minimum wages of early childcare professionals. However, as a high in-demand sector, the shortage of supply of the workforce eventually drives the increase in wages.

Salary expectations for early childhood educators

The starting salary for an Early childhood teacher is from $67,447 per year (or $1,292.58 per week), but will increase steadily as your job experience grows – up to about $75,0000 – $85,000 per year. The most senior early childhood educators in the State of Victoria are expected to earn more under a salary deal that was passed by the state government and the education union last 2021. The most experienced educators will see varying salary increases of up to 31% for kindergarten teachers, and 27% for educators. This will cover around 7,000 kindergarten workers and 46,500 public school teachers, regardless of the pay level.

It is expected that by the year 2024, full-time kindergarten teachers who have seven years’ worth of working experience will earn $116,906 every year, up from the current rate of $103,838. As a bonus, diploma-qualified childcare educators are entitled to receive a salary bonus of around $12,000.

This makes early childhood work more attractive for teachers and educators as it looks to almost double the workforce to 13,000 by 2029 in line with its $5 billion plan to extend 15 hours of free kinder to all three-year-old Victorian children.

Three factors that can increase your pay

1. Level of education/ Qualifications

To get a job as an early childhood educator in most states, it is essential to attain the appropriate qualifications and undergo adequate training. One of the most prominent fast tracks to your childhood educator career is the Certificate III in Early Childhood Care and Education, a course that offers the fundamentals of working with children. Wages start from $23.11 per hour for those who have yet to complete their Certificate, while those who have qualified could expect an hourly pay rate of $25.78+.

Employees who have completed a Diploma in Children Services, have a much wider knowledge than childcare workers with just a Certificate, and may expect a higher rate and opens up a pathway for you to progress into more senior roles, such as a management position in a childcare centre.

Childcare workers who have devoted several years studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), will be working in an Early Childhood Teacher role.

2. Depth of responsibilities and scope of work

If you work as a supervisor or room leader in a childcare centre, you are classed as level 4 under the Children Services Award and are entitled to $30.84+ on commencement of the job. When you complete a diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you may have been appointed the job of an assistant director or Day Care Coordinator and can expect a larger amount of compensation for the responsibilities. Childcare Centre Director or Centre Manager is ultimately responsible for the management of the Childcare Centre and its staff. Centre Director jobs can be advertised with salaries as high as $85,000+.

3. Work experience

A childcare employee can further increase their wage based on the number of years’ experience they have, providing childcare workers with a path of progression. Lastly, whether you work full-time, part-time or casual can also influence the rate at which you get paid.

While being a childcare educator is rewarding in the sense that you can have the unique opportunity to work with and help children’s learning and development. Now the Victorian government has made great strides in making early childhood work more lucrative for teachers and educators, it is expected that the workforce will almost double to 13,000 by the year 2029. Today is the perfect time for an aspiring childcare educator like you to kickstart your career in this ever-growing industry.

Sounds tempting, right? If you wish to enter the workforce as soon as you can, enrol at the Global Business College of Australia (GBCA).

Our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) course provide you qualifications you need to enter the sector, and guaranteed work placement to practise what you learn. Interested to learn more, check here for more details.

References:

https://elaa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VECTEA-2020-Schedule-2-Salary-Rates-Final.pdf

https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/early-childhood-teacher/salary

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/best-paid-victorian-kinder-teachers-to-earn-more-than-school-teachers-20201126-p56i9e.html

https://www.kindercareers.com.au/childcare-wages/

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