TAFE NSW Cowra Early Childhood Education and Care Head Teacher Karen Howarth, who has been involved in child care for more than 15 years, said the industry was currently experiencing a huge boom, resulting in lots of great employment opportunities.

“Australian Government statistics reveal that Australia-wide demand for child care is already constrained and with forecasted growth of 28 per cent across the state between 2016 and 2036, this demand is only going to increase,” she said.

“In Cowra and the central west, the current demand for child care just can’t be met.

“Consumers want new services and the creation of many new services will create more employment opportunities.

“A TAFE NSW Early Childhood Education and Care short course is the perfect way to get a start in the industry.

“We also have a range of courses which are perfect for those already employed in child care who want to upskill with ambitions for career progression.

“Employers recognise the importance of specialist training and these short courses look great on your resume.

“The best part is you can study a short course when it suits you, at one of our campuses, online or in your workplace.”

Ms Howarth said enrolments were now open for a number of short courses including: Child Protection, Early Childhood Fundamentals, Early Childhood Inclusive Practices and First Aid.

Industry expert and TAFE NSW Cowra Hospitality Head Teacher Di Johnson, who boasts more than 20 years experience, advises enrolments are also now open for hospitality qualifications that employers recognise at TAFE NSW Cowra, including Food Safety Supervision, Hospiality Essentials, Café Catering Skills, Menu Planning and Food Safety.

For more information about the huge range of short courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.