The job options for those arriving in Australia are not limited to the hospitality industry (tourism). One of the areas in high demand in the "aussie" market is that of early childhood educator, which is similar to working in a crèche in Brazil. But don't think that working with children is all fun and games. The job requires a few certificates and a lot of energy!
There are two types of course that allow students to work in different roles in spaces for children aged 0 to 5.
The first, lasting 120 hours, is the "Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care"This is a training course in which you learn about child development, care and legislation. With this certificate in hand, the professional is able to work as, for example, a monitor in an early childhood school, a nanny and a playground monitor.
The "Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a more complex, comprehensive and lengthy 240-hour course. In it, the student will learn everything from drawing up a complete education plan to team management. This certificate allows you to take on more administrative roles, such as supervisor and educational leader.
Both courses require compulsory internships under supervision. And to enter, foreign students need to be 18 years old and prove proficiency in English, with an IELTS score of 5.5.
When applying for a vacancy, the professional will still have to present the First Aid certificate, the Work With Children Check, which is a national criminal background check and a special workplace misconduct review for those who work with children, and the Police Check, a general criminal background check..
The path seems long and laborious in this career, but the results are rewarding, as it is an area with strong demand throughout the country. According to australian government jobs trend departmentBy November 2019, the number of vacancies for childcare jobs will be between 149,600 and 188,600, representing an increase of 41%. And currently, the average salary ranges from AUD 24/h for those with a "Certificate III" to AUD 30/h for those with a "Diploma".
Educator Vanessa Palermo, who now works as a nursery room leader, has no regrets about her choice. "It's a very rewarding job. Arriving in the morning and having babies coming towards you to hug you, witnessing their first steps, their first words, taking part in a child's learning is priceless! The recognition of the profession, the respect and trust of parents in my professional qualifications is also very gratifying," she says.
Vanessa also highlights the rapid professional development in the area and the possibility of stabilizing in the country. "This career has allowed me to work with what I love and get paid well for it. It has brought me personal fulfillment and the dream of Australian residency is now a reality. In just 3 years I went from student/intern to casual educator, room leader, internship supervisor and assistant principal. I'm currently
working "full time" on the "Post Graduate Visa" and at the end of the year I will apply for residency through the "Job Ready Program"," he says.
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