Council And Federation University Promote Free TAFE Pathways In Early Childhood Education
Ararat Rural City Council is working with Federation University Australia to promote Free TAFE opportunities in Early Childhood Education and Care to residents across Ararat and district for 2026 and 2027.
Early childhood education plays an important role in shaping lifelong learning, development and wellbeing, and strong local services depend on a skilled and supported workforce.
Ararat Rural City Council is committed to building that workforce locally by creating accessible training and career pathways for residents who want to work in the sector. By supporting people to study and gain qualifications close to home, Council is helping to keep jobs within the community while ensuring local families can continue to access high-quality early years education and care.
Federation University will be delivering both the Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Courses are available through a mix of on-campus, online and workplace delivery, with the Certificate III planned for delivery at the Ararat campus in 2027.
These study paths are part of Council’s continued work to support the early years workforce, including hosting the second face-to-face session of the Ararat Best Start Workshop Series earlier this month. The workshop series supports local educators and service providers as every Ararat and District service is now providing 30-hours of 4-year-old kinder (Pre-Prep).
Delivered by Federation University and funded through the Innovation Grant Program, the 12-month professional learning series provides practical tools and strategies to help educators respond to changes across the sector and improve outcomes for children and families.
The second workshop, Navigating Change: Adaptability and Resourcefulness in Early Childhood Education, focused on building resilience, embracing new approaches, and responding to the evolving early childhood landscape.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the local early years workforce and supporting long-term community outcomes. “Access to education and training in early childhood is an important part of supporting families and ensuring children in our community have the best possible start,” Dr Harrison said. “By working with Federation University, we are creating clearer pathways into the sector and supporting local people to develop the skills needed to meet growing demand.”
Residents interested in enrolling can apply online via Federation University’s website at federation.edu.au or contact 1800 FED UNI (1800 333 864) for more information.
Pictured (L-R): Anita San Ba, Dr Yuwen Ma (Federation University Ballarat), Kylie Nice (Federation University Ballarat), Vanessa Jasper, Tyra Flavell, Chantelle Doehnert, Sabina Chawla and Kat Fulford, along with Hunny from ARCC Pawsitive Support.
