Ella Neve didn’t always have the best experience at school.
But she wants that to change for kids entering the education system for the first time.
The 19-year-old is part of a record number of applicants for an early childhood scholarship issued by the New South Wales (NSW) government in a bid to attract new workers and help retain those in the ailing sector.
“I’m the start of a child’s introduction to their education,” she told AAP.
“It’s a chance to make a difference and it’s a very rewarding job.
“I love it.”
A record 2328 people have applied under the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Scholarships program.
A total of 1875 early childhood educators are looking to upskill and 453 are looking to enter the sector.
The scholarship funds are helping Ella complete her full-time traineeship at a childcare care centre in Wollongong, south of Sydney.
She hopes to begin study for early childhood teaching at Charles Sturt University in Sydney this year.
“It’s a really good opportunity,” she said.
“There’s a struggle to get educators ... (the scholarship) is a huge factor for many people wanting to study or upskill.”
The scholarships program financially assists people wanting to enter the workforce and existing staff looking to boost their skills.
Successful scholars can receive up to $25,000 (US$16,300) for early childhood teaching qualifications and up to $5000 (US$3300) for diploma and certificate III ECEC and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) qualifications.
Applications are being assessed, with some successful scholars already notified.
Up to $29.4 million (US$19.2 million) will be available to support this year’s scholarship program as the government assigns up to $17.1 million (US$11.2 million) on top of the $12.3 million (US$8 million) committed announced with the 2023/24 budget.
Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car said workforce shortages continue to be a challenge in the early childhood education and care sector.
“These scholarships give people financial support while they are studying, offering them a chance to learn new skills without taking on additional strain during a cost of living crisis,” Ms. Car said.
