Living on the picturesque Hayman Island hasn’t stopped Hang Nguyen from chasing her dream of working in early childhood education. The dedicated student is currently completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) through TAFE Queensland, which she studies online to suit her unique island-based lifestyle.
“I do my course online because I am based on Hayman,” Hang explained.
Hang said that she likes the flexibility of doing the course online, but most she enjoys what the course covers.
The TAFE Queensland course covers a range of skills, including activity planning, multicultural awareness, teamwork, and behavioural strategies, all of which have left a lasting impression on Hang.
“My favourite thing in my course is seeing how the children grow up at that age, and how to teach them new things,” she said.
Hang also works at the local school on Hayman Island and travels to the mainland to complete her practical placement at a childcare service. The hands-on component, she says, is another favourite part of the course.
“I like being with the children, they have a lot of different ideas, you will never think about it but when they say it, it gives us a different angle to look at it.”
Her passion lies in caring for children from six months to six years old, and she finds the early years particularly rewarding. She likes how TAFE Queensland has structured the course and what they teach.
“I’ve learned a lot of different things, how you organise activities for the kids, how you look after them, for babies how you feed them, how you settle them down and when they are upset how to calm them down,” she added.
With over a year of study under her belt, Hang is looking forward to completing her qualification and hopes to continue working in the childcare industry, potentially at the centre where she is currently working.
“It’s a very nice place there and very supportive.”
Hang’s journey is a testament to the flexibility of online education and the power of passion, especially when combined with the peaceful surroundings of island life.
Hang’s journey highlights how the flexibility of online education and personal passion can thrive at TAFE Queensland.