The Australia Government commissioned Jobs and Skills Australia to undertake a capacity study on the workforce needs for Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. The study has been undertaken in partnership with HumanAbility, the Jobs and Skills Council with responsibility for the Children’s Education and Care, Aged and Disability, Health, Human Services, and Sport and Recreation industries.
The study was overseen by a steering group with representatives from various sectors, including peak bodies, specialist groups, trade unions and researchers. The consultation paper for the study was published on 20th November 2023, attracting over 50 submissions. Extensive stakeholder engagement opportunities were undertaken throughout the duration of the study to ensure an authentic picture of workforce practices were captured.
The study provides critical evidence, insights, and recommendations as appropriate to support current and future workforce planning, including a detailed understanding of the current state and future needs of the sector’s workforce to support the development of Government strategy and vision on early years education and care of Australia’s children. It focuses on ECEC workforce and skills issues, particularly attraction and retention, to complement the broader scope of other inquiries being undertaken in this space.
The study establishes a comprehensive overview of the sector’s challenges, detailing 28 key findings and makes 41 recommendations on a suggested path forward that not only addresses current challenges, but builds strong foundations for rewarding ECEC careers.
The study has been conducted with consideration of the Productivity Commission (PC)’s and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s inquiries into the ECEC sector in Australia, and other policy developments.