Most educators looking for work in early childhood head straight to SEEK, Indeed or Jora, refresh the page every morning, and wait. Fair enough. That is what we are all taught to do. As a journalist, I always try to find sneaky ways or hidden vacancies.
This will surpise you 🙂 A lot of the best positions are filled before anyone writes an advertisement.
Centres often fill vacancies from their own pool, from so-called sister cenres, director’s network; and … through a recommendation, a placement student who impressed everyone, a casual relief educator who already knows the room, or someone who simply introduced themselves a few months earlier. This is what I mean by the hidden job market. It relied on relationships and timing, and you can absolutely get into it. Your goal is to become the first person a director thinks of when a position opens up.
1. Make a list of services you would love to work at. I usually start with the local exceeding or even excellently rated services.
Start before there is a vacancy. Research the services that actually match your values, then get to know them properly. Read their philosophy, look at their programs, notice how they talk about children. Drive or walk past and observe some practices.
✓ Long day care ✓ Kindergartens and sessional services ✓ Montessori or Reggio-inspired centres ✓ Bush kinders and nature programs ✓ Community-based services ✓ Not-for-profit organisations
2. Introduce yourself
Most directors respect an educator who is initiative and engaged in the job search. Send a short, warm email with your resume attached, your availability, your qualifications or expected completion date, and a couple of honest lines about why their service interests you.
3. Use your placement network
Professional experience is one of the strongest pathways into your first job, and the connections outlast the placement itself. Stay in touch with your supervising teacher, the educational leader, the director, the educators you worked beside, and your university peers. Do not burn the bridges!
From my experience, placement is one of the best ways to get hired.
4. Join relief agencies
Casual work builds your experience and your confidence at the same time. It also puts you in front of directors across many services, which means people know your name and your practice before a permanent role ever opens.
Early Childhood Australia events, local network meetings, council professional learning, conferences, workshops, university networking evenings. These rooms are full of educational leaders, and vacancies get mentioned out loud long before they get advertised.
6. Build your professional job portfolio
Your reputation starts well before your first permanent position. Keep your resume current, your LinkedIn profile updated, your Working With Children Check ready, and your references organised so you can move quickly when something comes up.
I always bring my folio or ipad with photo evidence to the important interviews.
Here is my video on how to create your portfolio
7. Tell people you are looking
So many opportunities arrive through ordinary conversations. Mention it to friends, family, lecturers, placement mentors, previous employers and classmates. Someone usually knows a service that needs an educator. That’s how I found my first job actually.
8. Be specific about what you want
“I’m happy to do anything” is too vague. Let’s use the manifestation approach here and calibrate our brain to help up to find the best opportunity for us.
Try something closer to this. “I’m looking for a graduate Early Childhood Teacher position where I can keep developing my practice in play-based learning and build strong relationships with children and families.”
That sentence gives someone a real picture, and real pictures stick. Your brain also loves it! 9. Follow up
Contacted a service and heard nothing back? Send a polite follow-up a week or two later. It reads as professional and interested, and it puts your name in front of them a second time.
One last thing
Your next job might never appear on a job board at all. It might begin with a placement, a casual shift, a recommendation, a conversation at a workshop, or one short email to a centre you have admired for months.
Make yourself visible while the vacancy is still hypothetical. That is where the hidden market lives.
Have you ever felt that sharp jab after an interview? You know – you wait for the call, it finally comes, and they tell you it wasn’t the right fit, or they went with someone else. Before you decide what that says about you, give me a few minutes.
I have been there. More than once, for sure. Over the years, I started reading into psychology, including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and a bit of neurolinguistic programming, and slowly the way I looked at failure shifted. Interview rejection included.
Rejection does not mean you are not good enough
Most of the pain after an interview traces back to one belief we rarely say out loud: that a knock-back means we are not good enough.
Here is the trap. Your mind takes one event, a no from this centre, this university, this school, and turns it into a verdict about all of you. The actual fact is usually plain. “We went with another candidate.” That is rarely what you hear, though. You hear that it is personal, that you failed, that you didn’t show well, that you are a loser.
In psychology, these mental shortcuts are called cognitive distortions, and a few of them tend to turn up the moment a rejection lands.
There is overgeneralisation, where one “no” becomes “I always fail interviews.” When you catch yourself there, stop and ask whether that is actually true. Then list the times you didn’t fail, when you did land the job, the role, the mark, whatever you were after. This one got me badly when I missed out on a training job at TAFE. I told myself it would never happen because I wasn’t born here, and that thought walked me straight into the victim seat.
Then there is labelling, where a single outcome hardens into an identity. One ordinary interview on one ordinary day becomes “I am a failure.”
Personalisation is another. You read the decision of the director, the preschool committee as a judgment of your worth, when most of the time it comes down to budget, timing and fit. And sometimes, honestly, there is already an internal candidate. The role still gets advertised and a few people still get interviewed so it all looks fair, but the choice was made before you walked in.
Last one, emotional reasoning. “I feel like a failure, therefore I am one.” Sound familiar?
This is where you separate the event from the story you wrap around it. One of my favourite Buddhist teachers, Pema Chödrön, talks about feeling what you feel and then dropping the storyline. Let yourself sit with what actually happened, the event itself, without building a whole narrative about what it says about you.
“Feel the feelings and drop the story.”
Why rejection hurts almost physically
It still hurts to be rejected. I know that very well. And there is a good reason it can feel almost physical.
Eisenberger and Lieberman used brain imaging to study social exclusion. They found that some of the same regions tied to physical pain switch on when we are left out. That pain is a real signal, wired into us from a time when we lived in tribes and being pushed out of the group could mean death. To your social brain, a rejection still reads as a threat.
Once you have named the hurt, the question is what to do with it. Across my own interview journey I keep coming back to three ideas.
Three things that helped me
The first is self-compassion, from the work of Kristin Neff. Her research shows that treating yourself with kindness helps you recover far more quickly than turning on yourself. So instead of propping up your ego (“I’m better than that job anyway, they clearly had no idea”), try this. Picture a friend who walked out of that exact interview with that exact rejection. Would you call them names? Of course not. You would give them a hug, shout them a coffee, remind them what they are good at, and tell them to keep going. Say those things to yourself.
The second is planned happenstance, from John Krumboltz, whose career counselling work I am studying right now. His idea is that careers are shaped mostly by events we never planned for. What helps is staying open, curious, persistent and flexible while you chase the work you want. That mindset lets a rejection become a redirection. When I missed the trainer job the first time, I started wondering whether I could move into assessing instead, working with learners on placement rather than running a classroom. That turned out to be easier to get into.
The third comes from Mark Savickas and his career narrative approach. A setback can become a chapter you give meaning to, instead of the final word. You are the author here. This rejection makes one small event in a long story, and it does not decide your ending.
A final word
So I wish you all the best with your next interview. Be kind to yourself and keep an open mind. You are still the one writing this story.
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Starting a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is an exciting and rewarding journey. But before you step into the world of nurturing young minds, you need to get qualified.
For most aspiring educators, this means earning a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III ECEC)—the entry-level qualification required to work in childcare.
The two main ways to achieve this qualification are:
A Traineeship – You study while working in a childcare centre, earning a wage as you complete your qualification.
Working Towards – You secure a job in a childcare setting first and complete your Cert III studies independently (often online or part-time).
While both paths lead to the same qualification, they come with different benefits and challenges. So, which one is right for you? Let’s explore both options to help you make the best decision.
What is an Early Childhood Traineeship?
A traineeship allows you to earn while you learn. You’re employed by a childcare centre that supports your structured training, combining hands-on experience with coursework.
Pros of a Traineeship ✅
✔ Paid Learning – Unlike unpaid student placements, Traineeship provide a wage while you gain experience. ✔ Structured Support – You get guided training from experienced educators. ✔ Government Incentives – Some states offer financial support, such as payments every six months for study milestones. ✔ Job Security – Many trainees secure long-term employment with their centre.
Potential Downsides ❌
✘ Lower Wages Initially – Trainees typically earn $19–$22 per hour, although mature-age trainees may start at $24–$30 per hour. ✘ Fixed Training Duration – Most traineeships take 12–18 months to complete. Your pay may not increase until you finish. ✘ Not All Employers Follow Award Rates – Some trainees have reported being underpaid, so it’s important to check your entitlements.
💡 Tip: Before signing up for a traineeship, make sure employer follows the award rates set by Fair Work Australia. Check the latest pay rates here.
What is “Working Towards” a Cert III?
If you prefer more flexibility and higher pay from the start, you can find a job in childcare first and complete your studies separately.
Pros of Working Towards Your Cert III ✅
✔ Higher Starting Pay – Many “working towards” educators earn $27–$30 per hour, significantly more than trainees. ✔ More Study Flexibility – You can choose how you study, whether part-time, online, or through a blended program. ✔ Faster Career Progression – Once you finish your Cert III, you might already qualify for a pay raise or a promotion.
Potential Downsides ❌
✘ Less Structured Support – Unlike traineeships, there’s no dedicated mentor guiding you through the process. ✘ Balancing Work & Study – You must be self-motivated to complete coursework while working full-time. ✘ No Guaranteed Job Security – Unlike trainees, employers aren’t required to invest in your development, meaning job stability might depend on performance.
💡 Tip: If you’re considering this path, check out ACECQA’s guidelines for “actively working towards” your qualification. Read more here.
Traineeship vs. Working Towards—Which is Better for You?
Your best option depends on your personal priorities and learning style.
Factor
Traineeship
Working Towards
Starting Pay
Lower ($19–$22/hr)
Higher ($27–$30/hr)
Study Support
Structured training
Self-paced learning
Flexibility
Fixed schedule
More flexible
Job Security
Strong (employer invests in training)
Depends on performance
Career Progression
Slower (fixed traineeship period)
Potentially faster
Ask yourself:
💰 Do you need financial stability now? → Working Towards might be better.
📚 Do you prefer structured training and guaranteed support? → A Traineeship may suit you.
🕒 Do you want a faster career path? → Working Towards offers quicker pay increases.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Path That Works for You
Starting a career in Early Childhood Education is a big step, and both pathways have their advantages.
If you need guidance, structured learning, and job security, a traineeship is a great way to enter the industry.
If you want to earn more from the start and are self-motivated, working towards your Cert III while employed might be the smarter option.
Regardless of which path you take, make sure you understand your rights and pay entitlements. If you’re unsure, talk to your employer or a registered training organisation (RTO) for advice.
💬 Have you taken one of these paths? Share your experience in the comments!
Traineeship or Working Towards? Choosing the Best Path to Start Your Early Childhood Education Career
Starting a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is an exciting and rewarding journey. But before you step into the world of nurturing young minds, you need to get qualified.
For most aspiring educators, this means earning a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III ECEC). It is the entry-level qualification required to work in childcare.
The two main ways to achieve this qualification are:
A Traineeship – You study while working in a childcare centre, earning a wage as you complete your qualification.
Working Towards – You secure a job in a childcare setting first and complete your Cert III studies independently (often online or part-time).
While both paths lead to the same qualification, they come with different benefits and challenges. So, which one is right for you? Let’s explore both options to help you make the best decision.
What is an Early Childhood Traineeship?
A traineeship allows you to earn while you learn. You’re employed by a childcare centre that supports your structured training, combining hands-on experience with coursework.
Pros of a Traineeship ✅
✔ Paid Learning – Unlike unpaid student placements, traineeships provide a wage while you gain experience. ✔ Structured Support – You get guided training from experienced educators. ✔ Government Incentives – Some states offer financial support, such as payments every six months for study milestones. ✔ Job Security – Many trainees secure long-term employment with their centre.
Potential Downsides ❌
✘ Lower Wages Initially – Trainees typically earn $19–$22 per hour, although mature-age trainees may start at $24–$30 per hour. ✘ Fixed Training Duration – Most traineeships take 12–18 months to complete. Your pay may not increase until you finish the program. I once had a student who took over 2 years to complete her certificate 3. ✘ Not All Employers Follow Award Rates – Some trainees have reported underpayments. It’s important to check your entitlements.
💡 Tip: Before signing up for a traineeship, ensure your employer follows the award rates set by Fair Work Australia. Check the latest pay rates here.
What is “Working Towards” a Cert III?
Prefer more flexibility and higher pay from the start? You can find a job in childcare first and complete your studies separately.
Pros of Working Towards your Cert III ✅
✔ Higher Starting Pay – Many “working towards” educators earn $27–$30 per hour, significantly more than trainees. ✔ More Study Flexibility – You can choose how you study, whether part-time, online, or through a blended program. ✔ Faster Career Progression – Once you finish your Cert III, you might already qualify for a pay raise. You might also qualify for a promotion.
Potential Downsides ❌
✘ Less Structured Support – Unlike traineeships, no dedicated mentor guides you through the process. ✘ Balancing Work & Study – You must be self-motivated to complete coursework while working full-time. ✘ No Guaranteed Job Security – Unlike trainees, employers aren’t required to invest in your development. This means job stability might depend on performance.
💡 Tip: If you’re considering this path, check out ACECQA’s guidelines for “actively working towards” your qualification. Read more here.
Traineeship vs. Working Towards – which is better for you?
Your best option depends on your personal priorities and learning style.
Factor
Traineeship
Working Towards
Starting Pay
Lower ($19–$22/hr)
Higher ($27–$30/hr)
Study Support
Structured training
Self-paced learning
Flexibility
Fixed schedule
More flexible
Job Security
Strong (employer invests in training)
Depends on performance
Career Progression
Slower (fixed traineeship period)
Potentially faster
Ask yourself:
💰 Do you need financial stability now? → Working Towards might be better.
📚 Do you prefer structured training and guaranteed support? → A Traineeship may suit you.
🕒 Do you want a faster career path? → Working Towards offers quicker pay increases.
Choose what works for you
Starting a career in Early Childhood Education is a big step, and both pathways have their advantages.
If you need guidance, structured learning, and job security, a traineeship is a great way to enter the industry.
If you want to earn more from the start, and you are self-motivated, working towards your Cert III while employed might be the smarter option.
Regardless of which path you take, make sure you understand your rights and pay entitlements. If you’re unsure, talk to your employer, TAFE or a registered training organisation (RTO) for advice.
💬 Have you taken one of these paths? Share your experience in the comments!
Are you drowning in paperwork while trying to capture your students’ best moments? I’ve been there too, feeling overwhelmed as an early childhood educator. But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify your documentation process and reclaim your time? Let’s dive in!
Early childhood educators play an essential role in shaping the future of Australia children. It is also a profession in demand and is growing sector. If you love working with children, enjoy being part of a team, and want to make a real difference, early childhood education could be the perfect path for you.
Here are six great reasons to consider this career:
1. Strong Job Demand
The early learning sector in Australia employs thousands of educators, and the demand keeps growing. With over 1.4 million children enrolled in early learning services, there’s a continuous need for qualified professionals. In fact, as of August 2024, there are more than 5,751 job advertisements for Early Childhood Educators on SEEK across the country. The number of service providers also increases each year, ensuring stable job opportunities in the sector. For more details on job prospects in this field, you can visit the Job Outlook website.
2. Learn While You Work
You don’t need prior qualifications to start. Many of my students studying Certificate 3 are already working in the centres. Many employers offer Traineeships or Apprenticeships, allowing you to earn a recognised qualification while gaining practical experience. These opportunities are open to people of all ages, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change. When I worked as a trainer and assessor at one non-for-profit RTO, most of my students were women (moms) looking for their first job in Australia after they moved here as a family.
3. Clear Career Path
Starting as a trainee or student who is working towards Certificate 3 in ECEC, you can work in various settings like early learning centres, kindergartens, or outside school hours care. With more experience and study, you could advance to roles such as Lead Educator, Educational Leader, Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Trainer or even Centre Manager. There’s always room to grow and develop your skills, offering a fulfilling and progressive career path.
4. Rewarding Work
As an early childhood educator, you play a crucial role in a child’s social, emotional, and academic development during a critical stage of their growth. Your work makes a lasting impact, helping them become confident, curious, and ready to learn. It’s a deeply rewarding job where you can see the difference you’re making every day.
5. Skilled Migration Opportunities
Australia recognises the importance of early childhood educators and has included this profession in its skilled migration program. If you’re qualified and interested in working in Australia, you may be eligible for skilled migration, allowing you to build a career in a country with a high demand for early childhood professionals. This can be an excellent opportunity for those looking to immigrate and build a meaningful career.
If you are worried about your level of English, watch this video, where I talk about how I improved my English fast at the beginning of my career.
6. Study for Free or Low Cost
In 2024, eligible people can study early childhood education for free or at a low cost, thanks to government funding. Courses like the Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care are often covered. Check with your state or territory’s Department of Education to find out what’s available.
Median salary
The median weekly earnings for early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers in Australia is $1,660.
The Bigger Picture
Australia’s early learning sector is vast, with over 16,000 approved early learning centres operating nationwide. These centres cater to more than 1.4 million children, illustrating the significant role that early childhood education plays in the country. The sector’s growth and the high number of children attending services highlight the ongoing demand for dedicated and skilled educators.
You can learn more about the sector and its requirements on the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website. The basic qualification is Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care, which takes about one year to complete, it includes 160 hours of placement.
Ready to Get Started?
Being an early childhood educator comes with its challenges, but it’s also full of rewarding moments.
If you’re passionate about supporting children during their early years, starting a Traineeship could be the perfect fit.
To learn more, talk to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) (this is where I work) , TAFE or contact your local early learning services about job and training opportunities. You’ll need a Working With Children Check or Police Check, which your state or territory government can help you organise.
For more details on required qualifications, visit the ACECQA website.
