Learning with the learners – new training centre will merge VET and ECEC

Over the coming months Wodonga TAFE will work with Premier Building and Construction to carry out renovations to combine their early childhood education and care (ECEC) service, Kids on Campus, with training spaces catering for students studying Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

The renovations will see changes that offer extended learning spaces, classrooms, kitchen facilities and a new reception area within the building, with the ultimate aim of creating an  integrated learning facility, which will combine childcare services and Vocational Education and Training (VET). 

“The improved facility will enable our teachers and childhood educators to continue to lead the way in the ECEC sector” a spokesperson for Wodonga TAFE said. 

“They will be offering the highest level of care for enrolled children in the centre, while maintaining a holistic and collaborative approach to enable and implement the latest sector teaching methods within their operational focus. The extended spaces will also provide an excellent opportunity for hosting local and regional industry networking functions, forums and professional development opportunities” the spokesperson added. 

When asked about the benefit for children from the new arrangement, Wodonga TAFE noted that as well as benefiting from a refreshed environment, children will be able to engage with “a diverse array of educators, teachers and students offering them a holistic educational experience with people of various ages, cultures and backgrounds.”

Children will also benefit from what becomes an effective increase in ratio, with those preservice educators and supervisors on hand to support with any issues, ensuring “many caring people are looking out for the children’s wellbeing and development”. 

Students of the Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will benefit by being involved in the operational environment of their chosen career, allowing them to “see and learn first-hand how a centre operates”, while simultaneously obtaining their qualification. 

They will get hands-on practical experience months before they would in a general classroom-learning environment, with the potential for work placements and job opportunities upon completion of their studies, the spokesperson continued. 

“This is an exciting new time for Wodonga TAFE as we work to offer our students the very best learning environment that focuses on best practices, leading the way in childcare education and offers them a wonderful head start on their chosen careers” they said in closing. 

For more information about Wodonga TAFE, please see here.