Childcare courses in Australia is one of those topics that sounds appealing. Working with children, it sounds fun and rewarding. But is the reality as good as it sounds? I’ve watched friends do childcare courses and work in childcare, and some loved working with children and found it rewarding. Others found the work was demanding, the pay was low, and they burned out quickly.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends work in childcare, and I’ve seen what it’s actually like. Some are still working in childcare and loving it. Others moved on to other careers. The difference wasn’t just ability, it was expectations and whether they suited the work.
So here’s everything I know about childcare courses in Australia, based on what actually happens.
What Are Childcare Courses Actually?
Let me start with the basics, because I got confused about this at first.
Childcare courses teach you to care for and educate young children. You learn about child development, early childhood education, health and safety, and how to work with children and families. It’s about helping children learn and grow.
Childcare courses are usually Certificate III or Diploma level. Certificate III teaches basic childcare skills. Diploma teaches more advanced skills and can lead to higher level roles.
Both types of courses are available at TAFE and private colleges. They’re practical and hands on, with work placements in real childcare settings.
But here’s what nobody tells you: childcare work is demanding. It’s physically and emotionally challenging. You need patience, energy, and resilience. If you’re not suited to working with children, you’ll struggle.
Requirements: What Do You Actually Need?
This is important, because there are specific requirements for childcare work.
You need a Working with Children Check. This is a background check that’s required for anyone working with children. You’ll need to apply for this, and it involves police checks.
You need to meet English language requirements. Childcare workers need to communicate clearly with children, families, and colleagues. You’ll need to demonstrate English proficiency.
You need to be physically fit. Childcare work involves being on your feet, lifting children, playing, and being active. It’s physical work.
You need to be emotionally resilient. Working with children can be challenging. You’ll deal with crying, tantrums, conflicts, and difficult situations. You need to stay calm and patient.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these requirements are important, but they’re not insurmountable. Most people can meet them if they’re suited to childcare work.
Course Fees: The Real Numbers
Let’s talk about money, because childcare courses are relatively affordable.
Course fees vary by level and institution. Certificate III in childcare usually costs $4,000 to $8,000 per year. Diploma usually costs $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
Living costs are the same regardless of where you study. You still need to cover rent, food, transport, and other expenses.
So a one year course might cost $20,000 to $30,000 total including living costs. A two year course might cost $40,000 to $55,000 total.
This is cheaper than university degrees, but you need to consider job outcomes and pay rates.
I’ve written about cheapest TAFE courses in Australia by state if you want specific numbers.
Job Outcomes: What Actually Happens
This is the part that matters most, and where childcare courses often have good outcomes.
There’s usually demand for childcare workers. There’s ongoing demand for childcare services, so jobs are usually available.
Starting pay is usually around $25 to $30 per hour, which is above minimum wage. With experience and qualifications, pay can increase. It’s not high paying work, but it’s steady.
Job security is usually good. There’s ongoing demand, so jobs are usually available. You’re less likely to be unemployed than in some other fields.
But here’s what to watch for: the work is demanding. You’ll be on your feet, active, dealing with multiple children, managing conflicts, and working with families. It’s physical and emotional work.
I know childcare workers who love their jobs and find them rewarding. I also know workers who burned out because the work was too demanding. The difference was whether they suited childcare work and had good support.
The Real Workload: What It’s Actually Like
This is important, because childcare courses prepare you for demanding work.
Practical components are heavy. You’ll do work placements in real childcare settings, working with real children. This is valuable experience, but it’s also demanding.
The coursework covers child development, early childhood education, health and safety, and more. There’s theory to learn, but the focus is on practical skills.
The work placements are intensive. You’ll work full days in childcare settings, observing, assisting, and eventually taking responsibility. It’s real work, not just observation.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the workload prepares you for the industry. Childcare work is demanding. The course workload reflects that. If you can’t handle the course workload, you’ll struggle in the industry.
What the Work Is Actually Like
This is important, because understanding the work helps you decide if it’s right for you.
Childcare work involves: caring for children, planning activities, managing routines, working with families, and more. You’ll work with children of various ages, from babies to school age. Some days are rewarding. Some days are challenging.
The work requires: patience, energy, creativity, good communication, and emotional resilience. You need to be able to handle multiple children, manage conflicts, and stay calm under pressure.
The hours can be long. Childcare centres often open early and close late. You might work shifts, including early mornings or late afternoons. It’s not always regular hours.
But here’s what I’ve learned: some people find this work incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy working with children and making a difference in their lives, childcare can be a fulfilling career.
Is It Right for You?
This is the key question, and here’s how to think about it.
Childcare might be right if: you enjoy working with children, you’re patient and energetic, you’re creative and enjoy planning activities, you’re emotionally resilient and can handle challenging situations, or you want steady work with good job security.
Childcare might not be right if: you want high pay, you don’t like physical work, you’re not emotionally resilient, you want regular hours (childcare often involves shifts), or you’re not suited to working with children.
But here’s what I’ve learned: don’t choose childcare just because you like children. Professional childcare is very different from spending time with children casually. It’s more demanding, more structured, and more challenging than you might think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are childcare courses good for international students?
They can be, but it depends on the student. If you’re suited to childcare work and enjoy working with children, they can be good options. But the work is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Make sure it’s right for you.
Can I get PR with a childcare qualification?
Sometimes yes, but it depends on other factors. Childcare roles are often on skilled migration lists, especially in regional areas. But you still need to meet other requirements like work experience, English language, and points. Check the skilled migration lists.
How much can I earn in childcare?
Starting pay is usually around $25 to $30 per hour, which is above minimum wage. With experience and qualifications, pay can increase to $30 to $35 per hour or more. It’s not high paying work, but it’s steady and there’s usually demand.
Is the work really that demanding?
Yes, usually. The work is physically and emotionally demanding. You’ll be on your feet, active, dealing with multiple children, managing conflicts. It can be tiring and emotionally draining. If you’re not suited to childcare work, you’ll struggle.
Can I work while studying childcare?
Yes, the same work rights apply. You can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester, and unlimited hours during breaks. Many students work in childcare while studying, which gives them experience. But balancing work and study can be challenging.
Do I need to be good with children?
Yes, but it’s more than just liking children. You need patience, energy, creativity, good communication, and emotional resilience. Professional childcare requires specific skills, not just a love of children.
Final Thoughts
Childcare courses in Australia can be good options for students who are suited to childcare work and enjoy working with children. They’re relatively affordable, lead to steady work, and are often on skilled migration lists. But the work is demanding, both physically and emotionally, and it’s not for everyone.
Don’t choose childcare just because you like children or because it’s on a skilled migration list. Choose it because you’re suited to childcare work and you’ll enjoy it. If you hate the work, you’ll be miserable, and you might not succeed.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Match your course to your personality and abilities. Childcare can be rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. Make sure you understand what the work involves and whether you’re suited to it.
If you’re still planning your study journey, check out my guides on what is TAFE in Australia and aged care and disability support courses. And if you’re considering childcare, talk to people working in childcare. They’ll tell you what the work is actually like, not what marketing materials say.