Studying ECEC with YWCA Canberra: Vila’s story
30 March 2022
At YWCA Canberra, we are dedicated to building a pipeline of qualified and confident early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals as part of our work to address gender inequality. That’s why our registered training organisation (RTO1373) offers the latest Certificate III and Diploma qualifications in ECEC.
We believe the quality of our training is demonstrated best in the words of students. Here is Vila’s story.
When Vila moved to Australia, it was challenging to find work even though she had plenty of experience and relevant qualifications. As a mother of two children and with English as her third language, she couldn’t find an employer who recognised her worth.
But rather than give up, Vila decided to retrain instead. Having worked in a library and with experience caring for children both in that role and as a mother, she thought the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector might be the answer. And when a friend recommended YWCA Canberra as a provider of ECEC training, Vila’s new career began to take shape.
After completing her Certificate III, Vila discovered she loved the sector. “It has been a rewarding career so far, as I see the children from a baby and see them growing up and moving and taking their next step in their life,” Vila said.
Vila found the ECEC sector so rewarding that she decided to continue her studies and is undertaking a Diploma in ECEC. “Being in a new career, I wanted to learn more about the sector. By returning to study and doing my diploma, I think it will provide me with better knowledge about the industry and better understanding about how to deal with children.”
On top of this career-based motivation, Vila also wanted to study her diploma to become more knowledgeable about helping children develop and learn.
However, studying hasn’t always been easy for Vila. “It was hard for me to juggle, especially being a team leader at work and being responsible for the team and children. I had to find the balance between my work and study.” Thankfully, Vila has a supportive husband who has taken on more of the household tasks, and her trainer has given her additional time to complete her tasks when it became too much. The language barrier has also been a challenge, but her YWCA Canberra trainers have worked with Vila to build her competency and confidence.
“I found the trainers at YWCA Canberra are always helpful and supportive. They have made me feel comfortable and always kept me motivated.”
And her fellow students have also helped. “The students are very supportive and help each other. The classes are very lively, fun and always I feel motivated to attend.”
Overall, Vila’s reflection on studying with YWCA Canberra is that: “It is not going to be easy, but you will definitely get the support and motivation needed to be successful in this industry.”
Vila is so happy she decided on this new career path. “I am looking forward to having an enjoyable long career in early childhood education, and helping children with learning and development, which is the most important step in their life.”
Tags: Certificate III, Diploma ECEC, Early Childhood Education and Care, gender equality, inspiration, Leadership