Every great community starts with its teachers and early childhood educators. They help children learn, grow and develop the skills they’ll carry through life – shaping not only their futures, but the strength of our society. But right now, Australia is facing a major shortage of early childhood professionals. And workforce studies show that tens of thousands of new workers will be needed in the coming years to meet demand.
It’s clear that more needs to be done to strengthen and support the early childhood workforce. The good news is that governments and industry are investing in solutions. For people thinking about a new career, this creates clear pathways into a stable and rewarding field.
To get a closer look at the sector and where the opportunities lie, we spoke to Siobhan Siedlecki, State Lead Early Childhood Trainee Project at Chisholm.
The state of play: where the workforce stands now
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is one of Australia’s biggest and fastest-growing sectors. There are already more than 260,000 educators nationwide, yet demand continues to outpace supply. In Victoria, population growth and expanded kindergarten programs are adding extra pressure, leaving many services struggling to find qualified staff.
How big is the gap?
Jobs and Skills Australia’s ECEC Workforce Capacity Study (2024) shows Australia currently needs around 21,000 more qualified early childhood educators and teachers to meet existing demand and create more sustainable workloads. And we’ll need another 36,000 in the coming years.
What’s behind the shortage?
Several factors contribute to the gap between supply and demand in ECEC:
- Increased access: Programs like Best Start, Best Life are giving all three- and four-year-olds access to kindergarten. This has increased the number of children in care, creating a need for thousands of new workers.
- Keeping staff: Low pay, heavy workloads, and few opportunities for promotion have made it hard to keep people in the job.
- Slow entry: It takes time to complete early childhood qualifications, so entry into the workforce can be a long process.
- Location issues: Regional areas and certain suburbs have the worst shortages. In these areas, there’s not only a shortage of qualified workers, but also a lack of local early childhood services and jobs.
Government moves: what’s being done to fix it
Governments at both state and federal levels have launched major initiatives to grow and support the workforce:
- Workforce packages: Programs providing training, mentoring, and career development support.
- Wage increases: A staged 15% pay rise for educators and teachers designed to attract and keep staff.
- Incentives and scholarships: State governments, including Victoria, offering financial support for students to gain their qualifications.
- Migration pathways: Early childhood teaching roles remain on skilled occupation lists, creating pathways for qualified migrants.
Siobhan says professional development is crucial. “Funding for professional development makes a big difference. It helps educators feel more confident and supported to stay in the industry.”
Industry moves: solutions taking shape
Beyond government programs, the early childhood sector is taking its own steps to fill the gap and keep skilled educators in the workforce:
- Training and upskilling: New flexible qualification models to shorten the time to the workforce.
- Retention strategies: Wage increases, mentoring and professional development funding.
- Industry partnerships: Providers and services collaborating on placements, pathways, and workforce planning.
“Traineeships have been a game-changer. They allow people with transferable skills to step into the sector. With the right support, they’re more likely to complete and stay,” Siobhan says.
The upside: why now is the time to choose ECEC
For job seekers, the current shortage highlights a moment of rare opportunity:
- Purpose and impact: Educators shape children’s lives and support families every day.
- Career security: Demand will keep rising, offering long-term stability.
- Attractive salaries: With reforms, wages are climbing, especially for bachelor-qualified teachers.
- Pathways for growth: Clear steps from Cert III to Diploma to Bachelor and beyond into leadership roles.
- Exciting and rewarding: Every day is different – full of creativity, connection, and the joy of working with children and families from all walks of life.
“Right now, the government is putting significant funding and emphasis on the value of early childhood. Recognition of the profession is higher than it’s ever been, and I feel it’s only going to grow,” says Siobhan.
How Chisholm helps: training that meets the moment
Chisholm is responding directly to the workforce challenge with training designed for today’s needs.
“Chisholm has a really strong framework. Not just in the classroom, but also in hands-on learning and the support students get during placements,” says Siobhan.
On-campus training
- Students learn from experienced industry professionals.
- Learning spaces mirror real childcare and kindergarten environments, giving students hands-on practice.
- Courses are up-to-date with current industry standards, so students gain practical skills and confidence before entering the workplace.
Victorian Early Childhood Trainee Project
- This program lets people start working in a childcare service while studying.
- Trainees can complete their qualification in as little as 12 to 15 months, gaining real workplace experience from day one.
“TAFE gives students stability, quality training, and strong industry partnerships, all of which are vital for building and sustaining the workforce.”Siobhan SiedleckiState Lead Early Childhood Trainee Project
Education Manager at Chisholm
The sector at a turning point
The early childhood sector is changing fast. While the workforce shortage is real, it also creates a unique opportunity for people ready to step into a meaningful, secure career.
“If children experience positive, supported development in their early years, the benefits last a lifetime. That’s the impact early childhood educators have. It’s powerful and far-reaching,” says Siobhan.
Her advice to anyone considering the sector? “A career in early childhood is extremely fulfilling. You’ll make lifelong memories with the children you support and the colleagues you work alongside. If you’re thinking about it, give it a go.”
With governments investing in the sector and training providers like Chisholm supporting every step of the journey – now is the perfect time to start a career where you can make a real difference and build a future that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to explore courses in Early Childhood Education and Care? Start here to explore course options and register.
