Photo: Palakshi Dutta (Left), Payal Mukherjee (Right)
As the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector continues to face an unprecedented workforce shortage, organisations such as Macquarie Community College are stepping up to the plate to prepare and deploy a skilled workforce in the ECEC sector.
From its most recent cohort of graduates, 85% of the students enrolled in the course have gone on to gain employment in various related positions.
To celebrate the success of Macquarie Community College’s Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, we spoke to graduates Palakshi and Payal on their experiences in the course and what they’re up to now.
Palakshi Dutta
Wife and mum Palakshi Dutta arrived in Australia from India in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Palakshi was eager to find a job, which was made even harder in the middle of an unprecedented lockdown. After doing some research and finding out about Macquarie Community College, she decided to enrol into the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course.
Upon commencing her studies, Palakshi found that the course’s flexibility and teaching style was comprehensive and suited her needs.
“The course taught me the professional skills, rules and regulations, and standards required to work in ECEC in Australia. I feel that without it, I wouldn’t be ready for my current role,”said Palakshi.
Since graduating, Palakshi has been working at Goodstart ELC North Ryde, progressing from a trainee role to an educator. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care at Macquarie Community College and has aspirations to one day become a Centre Director.
“I’m passionate about children and their education and care. I love spending time with them and thought the Certificate III course was a great way for me to get into the ECEC industry.”
Payal Mukherjee
After spending ten years as a stay-at-home mum and primary carer, Payal Mukherjee was keen to re-enter the workforce. Having previously been a teacher overseas for 12 years, she knew she wanted to continue working with children.
Payal completed First Aid training at Macquarie Community College before learning the college also offered ECEC courses. Following her positive experience, she chose to enrol in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care program at the college.
“Starting a career after being away from work for 10 years, I needed something that was easy for me to comprehend and access. From the moment I started, I could tell that the course delivery was of a high quality, detailed and to the point,”said Payal.
“The course provided all the information I need to know about the sector, and has equipped me with all the tools and resources I need to have a good understanding.”
“My experience at Macquarie Community College was an extremely positive one. The staff are supportive, and you can easily ask for help when you need it. As someone who comes from a different background, it was very important to have someone guide me through the process thoroughly,” she said.
As a mum to three children, Payal cited the flexibility of the course as an important factor to pursuing her studies, with classes held during school hours. She also saw it as an opportunity to do something for herself – an achievement of her own.
Payal has since enrolled in a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, explaining that she is a strong believer in ongoing education and professional development. She has also been offered employment at two childcare centres.
Start Your Own Career in Child Care
If you're interested in learning more about the courses Macquarie Community College offers in Early Childhood Education and Care, please visit the website or call us on 1300 845 888. We look forward to helping you discover your passion!