The Albanese Government has recognised the urgent need to address the critical national shortage of early childhood educators by announcing to fund of over 4,036 fee-free TAFE and vocational education for early childhood qualifications and 1,469 ECT degree qualifications.

Fee-free early childhood education and care training are available to any eligible NSW resident, regardless of age, employment status or prior qualifications.

The NSW Government will spend $281.6 million over the course of four years on a set of initiatives designed to increase the number of employees working in the early childhood education and care industry, keep on board current teachers and educators, and give current employees more opportunities to advance their careers.