Trent is no stranger to the hustle and bustle of an early childhood centre, having grown up around a family-run business in the ECEC space. After working in the soil testing trade for a few years, he was drawn back to his roots, knowing he had to give an early childhood career path a crack.

He completed a Certificate III traineeship, and is ready to take on the Diploma, a Bachelor degree, and maybe the family business one day! “This course is a necessity to work in this industry. Study-wise, my trainer was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. If you ask me why someone would pursue study in this field, I say – Why not?!”

This is definitely a fresh start and a career change for me. My course is the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). I decided to enrol with ACE because it offered me the availability, monthly intakes and personal service I was looking for.

I have learnt so much and had a great work placement outcome. Working in the industry is my aim. To others thinking about this course – just do it. I had an amazing teacher and training experience at ACE Community Colleges in Murwillumbah.

Being in the industry whilst studying improved my knowledge and understanding and hugely benefited me! Now that I have completed my Certificate III I am going to travel for a few years. When I come home I will be better off – I can use my qualification to get back into the early childhood setting and continue my love for teaching whether it be in a centre, nannying or coaching.

I was unsure about study as I hadn’t studied since completing high school but any help or assistance you need you will get from the trainers and staff as well as colleagues working in the industry already. There is such a large team of people to help that there’s really nothing to be nervous about!

I did this course as I left school in year 11, I really enjoy being around young children so thought this would be a great career path. I loved the environment at ACE, it is very welcoming, and I felt very comfortable coming to class. I enjoyed the face-to-face training and having great supportive trainers. The course helped me enter my early childhood career and obtain a job in this field at a local centre, which I am really loving!

I enjoyed the experience and support so much at ACE that I am now going to further my studies and enrol in the Diploma level! My message to everyone is, do it, you will not look back. You may be nervous starting something new but ACE made it so welcoming for me, and really helped ease any worries I had from the moment I had my interview to my first day in class, it was definitely the right decision for me.