On Tuesday, HumanAbility CEO Emma King OAM joined the Minister for Skills and Training the Honourable Andrew Giles MP and Jobs and Skills Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover AO, to officially launch the highly anticipated Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Capacity Study at an event in Adelaide.
Conducted in partnership with Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) the study presents a comprehensive analysis of the workforce challenges facing the ECEC sector. The report outlines 28 key findings and 41 recommendations with a focus on addressing the urgent need for a larger, more skilled workforce. The recommendations also emphasise the importance of continuous professional development and clearer career pathways to attract and retain talented professionals in the sector.
Speaking at the event, HumanAbility CEO Emma King OAM said, “I ran an ECEC organisation and at that time we could have only dreamt of reform such as what is happening today. I look at where we are today, the fantastic leadership, the fantastic work – what an extraordinary moment in time.”
The study highlights the need for 21,000 additional qualified early childhood educators to meet current demand and ensure sustainable staffing levels, with further growth required in the future. The findings also underscore the crucial role of early childhood education in shaping long-term educational outcomes for children, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
The full study and research summaries are now available via the Jobs and Skills Australia website, which you can access Early Childhood Education and Care Study | Jobs and Skills Australia
HumanAbility will continue to advocate for the implementation of these recommendations, working with government and industry partners to strengthen the ECEC workforce and support children’s development across Australia.
