Fee-Free TAFE opens the door to Brandon’s dream job

A purpose discovered through mentoring

Brandon’s interest in education began in high school when he participated in a mentoring program for younger students. Supporting and guiding them brought him a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose. Seeing the positive impact it had on the students he mentored, his teachers and parents encouraged him to explore teaching as a career.

Discovering a calling through work experience

Driven by this newfound sense of purpose, Brandon sought work experience at a local early childhood centre. There, his commitment to educating and supporting young people grew even stronger. The more time he spent with young learners, the more he became certain that a career in early childhood education was the right path for him. Determined to take the next step, Brandon enrolled in an early childhood education and care course at CIT through Free-Free TAFE*.

A rewarding career

Brandon finds motivation in the curiosity and excitement children bring to life.

“Children are so eager to discover new things and their energy is contagious,” he says. For him, working with children and young people offers a dynamic and rewarding experience that a traditional desk job can’t match.

Working as an educator has also given him a fresh perspective on life.

“Children are so expressive and don’t hide their emotions. As adults, we tend to hide our emotions, but children remind us to embrace life with excitement and gratitude,” he explains. “They help me appreciate the little things in life that we sometimes overlook as we get older.”

Embracing an open mind

One of the most valuable skills Brandon has gained at CIT is the importance of open-mindedness.

“I’ve learned to see things from a different perspective and not to be too headstrong in my thinking,” Brandon shares.

“Working with children from a diverse range of backgrounds has made me more aware of different cultures and perspectives. This has helped me be more empathetic and better equipped to support children and their families in a meaningful way.”

The impact of Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE provides free training opportunities to people seeking to learn, retrain or upskill. It’s a jointly funded initiative of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments that has allowed Brandon and thousands of others like him to pursue vocational education and training without the financial stress.

“Before Fee-Free TAFE, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to commit to a career path that involved taking on debt as it felt very daunting.” He admits. “But once I had the option to study without the financial burden, there was no hesitation for me to continue my education.”

Brandon says Fee-Free TAFE is a great opportunity, especially for those who are unsure about their next steps.

“It’s a chance to gain new skills and discover a career path you might not have considered otherwise,” he explains.

Career pathways and opportunities

Studying at CIT will not only provide Brandon with the qualification needed to work in the early childhood sector but also opens doors for further education. After completing his certificate-level qualification in early childhood education and care, Brandon plans to continue his studies to deepen his knowledge and expand his career prospects. His goal is to become a lead educator, where he can play a larger role in shaping young children’s development and education.

Explore your options with Fee-Free TAFE

Brandon’s advice for school leavers is simple:

“If you’re unsure about what you want to do next, consider doing a fee-free course. It’s a great way to explore options without the financial stress and it might help you discover a career path you never expected.”

Learn more about Fee-Free TAFE and studying children’s education and care.

*Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments launched in January 2023. Eligibility criteria apply.