A CRACKDOWN on workplace training in the childcare industry and a call for centres to meet tougher standards has prompted debate.
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Last week assistant education and training minister Simon Birmingham announced the federal government would increase audits on childcare centre training organisations to ensure on-the-job training was up to scratch.
The Training for Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia Report undertaken by the Australian Skills Quality Authority highlighted concerns about the validity of assessment carried out by a number of training organisations.
Under the new standards, childcare workers are required to complete a diploma which is one to two years. Mr Birmingham said if shortcuts were taken there would be penalties.
Online Childcare Centre manager Kathy Mckrill said while up-skilling the industry was important there were other factors that needed to be considered.
“Considering that the diploma qualification used to be free and now costs $7000, students have to look at the financial commitment especially when they are only going to be earning around $33,000 in their first year, so the cost can be a bit scary for them,” Ms Mckrill said.
“This is not a well-paid industry and has a high burnout rate.”
A recent report compiled by Investing in Our Youth identified a need for more trained childcare workers in the South West.
South West MLC Adele Farina said childcare centres across the region lacked qualified educators but the cost of the TAFE fees was one of the biggest factors deterring students from studying childcare.
“The report specifically identifies the enormous cost of TAFE fees as being one of the reasons we have a lack of qualified childcare workers,” Ms Farina said.
The Little Angels Early Learning Centre in Bunbury is feeling the pressure to make sure all their staff that have certificate qualifications are in the process of applying to get their diplomas.
Centre manager Star Hovey said it was important to up-skill their staff members but the process was lengthy and required a lot of time.
Have your say. Tell us what you think about childcare training in the South West. Email: Chloerissa.eadie@fairfaxmedia.com.au