TAFE NSW Shellharbour has welcomed a record number of male early childhood education and care students as the industry continues to confront a major gender imbalance.
Just three per cent of childcare workers nationally are male. But in a sign the tide might be turning in the Illawarra, four male aspiring early childhood educators have signed on during the latest intake to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Shellharbour, bringing the total number of males in the course to six.
It comes as the NSW Government this year announced the construction of 100 new preschools statewide, and last month unveiled a $20 million program aimed at creating extra childcare places in areas with an undersupply. Meanwhile, the Federal Government recently announced a 15 per cent wage increase for childcare workers to help draw more people to the industry.
One of the male first year Bachelor students at TAFE NSW Shellharbour is Subash Prajapati, 21, who was studying business in his native country Nepal before emigrating to Australia to pursue a career in childcare.
So strong is demand for TAFE NSW childcare graduates, Mr Prajapati was offered a job at Bright Minds Nowra during his first work placement.
“I’ve always been good around children but as an introvert, I was worried the industry might not be for me,” he said. “It was a challenge at first but as my skills and vocabulary grew, so too did my confidence.
“The TAFE NSW teachers have so much experience and are so supportive, and to see so many male childcare students in the course has made me realise I can do this job.”
Mr Prajapati said after earning his degree, he would like to work in special needs childcare.
Tom Greene is an early childhood educator of two decades who is currently working at South Nowra Early Learning. A mentor for Mr Prajapati, Mr Greene said it was heartening to see more male childcare workers gaining the practical skills and experience offered by the bachelor’s degree at TAFE NSW Shellharbour.
“There are certainly unique challenges in this profession for males and there’s a perception among some in the community that it’s questionable if a male wants to work in childcare,” Mr Greene said. “You have to work that little bit harder, and I think understanding the bigger picture around the role is helpful. I’ve been having that dialogue with Subash, and I’ve seen him really flourish in the role.”
TAFE NSW Shellharbour Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care course coordinator Annmarie Mounds said the industry was “crying out” for more male educators.
“You don’t typically see a lot of males in early childhood but to have six in our degree course is a really positive sign for the industry,” she said. “These will be some of the industry leaders of the future and TAFE NSW is proud to be giving them the skills, knowledge and experience to help change perceptions.”
