Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi
I'm 17 years old, have recently finished my year 12 studies and am looking for part time/casual work and I came upon the idea of undertaking a childcare traineeship. My intention is to study a bachelors course at university (after i recive my results) and I was wondering is practical or realistic to be able to have those two commitments at the same time? and do childcare centres typically facilitate future university students? I love working with kids and i like the idea of gaining the qualification to open my job options

Thanks Lorina!! still second guessing myself whether I should take on such a workload. I turn 18 next april

Hi, I know this is an older post but I wanted to put my two cents in as I'm about to start my cert 3 in ECE while studying at university so I may be able to provide some information

I started my degree in 2016 while working in fast food. For various reasons I could not bear to work in fast food, and I was getting too old (and expensive) to keep getting regular, decent hours (I'll be nineteen in March). So I began job hunting and long story short was offered a part time role in an excellent centre, beginning in 2017, with two years to complete my Cert 3. Here's what I recommend to make it a bit easier if you choose to do both qualifications concurrently like me:

-If possible seek out a part time position so you have more time to focus on your uni studies
-Choose your university and the degree VERY CAREFULLY. I recommend choosing a flexible university which allows for online studies, evening classes, etc. My university offers a full external version of my degree (Arts/Secondary Education). If you're choosing to do a science heavy degree, even externally, be aware that you'll have a lot of pracs in which you'll physically need to be there, thus interfering with your work.
-Take advantage of summer classes! I'm doing two units over the summer break so I'll have a reduced workload when I start my Cert 3

My degree, whilst being in education, isn't related to childcare at all so I can't comment on the actively working towards your ECE qualification.

I'll let you know how I go (I start at my centre in less than a week). It's definitely possible as long as you're committed and organised

katiedawn wrote:Hi, I know this is an older post but I wanted to put my two cents in as I'm about to start my cert 3 in ECE while studying at university so I may be able to provide some information

I started my degree in 2016 while working in fast food. For various reasons I could not bear to work in fast food, and I was getting too old (and expensive) to keep getting regular, decent hours (I'll be nineteen in March). So I began job hunting and long story short was offered a part time role in an excellent centre, beginning in 2017, with two years to complete my Cert 3. Here's what I recommend to make it a bit easier if you choose to do both qualifications concurrently like me:

-If possible seek out a part time position so you have more time to focus on your uni studies
-Choose your university and the degree VERY CAREFULLY. I recommend choosing a flexible university which allows for online studies, evening classes, etc. My university offers a full external version of my degree (Arts/Secondary Education). If you're choosing to do a science heavy degree, even externally, be aware that you'll have a lot of pracs in which you'll physically need to be there, thus interfering with your work.
-Take advantage of summer classes! I'm doing two units over the summer break so I'll have a reduced workload when I start my Cert 3

My degree, whilst being in education, isn't related to childcare at all so I can't comment on the actively working towards your ECE qualification.

I'll let you know how I go (I start at my centre in less than a week). It's definitely possible as long as you're committed and organised

Hi Katie,

Thanks so much for this! It will definitely help out other students!

,
Lorina

Lorina wrote: [ref]katiedawn[/ref], Would love to hear how you manage all once you get settled!

Enjoy your new centre!

,
Lorina

Thank you I am really looking forward to starting, hopefully all goes well!