$12 million boost

for early childhood workers

NSW’s early childhood sector workforce has been given a welcome boost of more than $12 million as the Minns Labor Government delivers its election commitment to provide scholarships to the educators of the state’s littlest learners.

18 October 2023

 

FUNDING of $12.2 million to provide scholarships to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce was secured in the NSW Budget, beginning the practical work to create a pipeline of educators for this vital sector.

 

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, says this investment is integral to the ECEC workforce.

 

“Our early childhood education workforce is so important, and this investment will build capacity and resilience within our early childhood education workforce," she said.

 

“I would encourage anyone interested in joining the sector or wanting to upskill to apply.

 

“This is just one of the measures the Minns Labor Government will deliver to begin to address the ongoing shortage of early childhood workers across NSW. This is a fantastic announcement that recognises those who educate our littlest learners.”

 

Applications are open now and has become easier to apply as the NSW Government scraps application rounds, allowing current and prospective students to apply freely throughout the year.

 

A target of 1,700 scholarships are now available, including funding for:

 

Scholarships of up to $25,000 for ECEC teachers studying a Bachelor or Master degree in teaching with an early childhood education specification

 

Scholarships of up to $15,000 for relevant Graduate Certificates or Graduate Diplomas

 

Scholarships of up to $5,000 for ECEC educators studying a relevant Diploma in ECEC or School Age Education and Care

 

Scholarships of up to $3,000 for students earning a Certificate III in ECEC, OSHC

 

Director of Parklands Community Preschool, Phoebe Wilby says that the investment into early childhood education and care is very welcome.

 

“Staffing is in crisis. People are leaving the sector and it’s hard for some services to find and retain quality educators.

 

“This funding will encourage experienced educators to upgrade their qualification and get remunerated appropriately for the valuable work they do.

 

“I hope this will also attract new educators and inspire them to join our sector. “

 

More information about available scholarships can be found on the NSW Department of Education website here.