A Guide to Childcare in Australia

Thousands of Australian families rely on childcare services, with the industry seeing continued growth.

From pandemic-related challenges to bountiful job opportunities, join us as we look at the state of the childcare industry today and in the future.

The Childcare Industry Today

There’s no question that the childcare industry has faced major challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic putting health and logistics pressures on childcare providers.

However, the industry continued to see high demand from families even during the pandemic. More parents found themselves working from home and having to juggle these obligations with caring for their children. During this time, the Australian government deemed childcare an essential service and put $33 million into making childcare more affordable for parents.

This, along with the fact that most families in Australia are now dual income, means that more and more parents are choosing to put their money towards childcare services.

The Future of the Childcare Industry

The childcare industry is expected to see continued growth, with childcare jobs soon becoming one of the country’s top five professions. This is due to the anticipated baby boom in Australia, with the nation’s birth rate being projected to increase by 6.4% in the next few years (IBISWorld). This growth will bring with it a surge of opportunities in childcare.

Specifically, early childhood teacher jobs will see the largest relative growth in the sector, increasing by 22% or reaching 9,000 jobs by 2023. In absolute terms, childcare workers will see the largest surge in jobs, growing by 27,600 jobs by 2023. Other thriving jobs to keep an eye on include education aides (growing by 20.8% or 18,800 jobs), childcare centre managers (growing by 20.9% to 16,000 jobs), primary school teachers (growing by 9.6% or 16,300 jobs) and secondary school teachers (growing by 7.1% or 9,900 jobs).

As Australia’s reliance on childcare services grows and the population booms, the childcare industry is set to see high demand and robust opportunities.

How to Get Started in the Childcare Industry

Are you wondering how to become a childcare worker and make your mark in this booming industry? To score one of the estimated 184,000 new opportunities in the sector (Job Outlook), having the right childcare qualifications is essential.

The minimum industry standard is to obtain a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. However, the industry is becoming highly competitive, which means it can be a smart idea to obtain a higher level of education than the minimum. This might mean obtaining a CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care to set yourself apart from the competition. A Working with Children Check is also required, and you might also want to consider obtaining First Aid training to become more employable.

After completing the required education, you’ll need to develop hands-on skills through a work placement. With this education and experience under your belt, you can set yourself up for a long and stable career in the booming childcare industry.

Kickstart your career in Early Childhood Education and Care and enquire today or call 1300 616 197 to speak to one of our Careers Advisors for more information!

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