In a memorandum of understanding, TAFE Illawarra childcare students will complete work placements at Big Fat Smile centres under professional supervision.

The unpaid placements will satisfy practical components of both the Certificate III and Diploma which demands students complete a minimum of 240 hours of work placement.

Both TAFE Illawarra and Big Fat Smile declined to say how many students would be given placements but Big Fat Smile CEO Bill Fields said they would be available to ‘‘the great majority’’ of students.

‘‘The memorandum of understanding formalised a relationship we had established with TAFE Illawarra over several years,’’ he said. ‘‘The agreement comes into effect immediately, with the international dimensions coming into effect this month as three of our teaches leave for exchange to China in April.’’

Big Fat Smile already has reciprocal training programs with sister preschools and local polytechnical institutions in Yangzhou, China.

‘‘There is large part of the population in China interested in relocating to Australia and this partnership focuses on skills shortages and meeting a demand for excellence,’’ he said.

‘‘This an opportunity to collaborate with Big Fat Smile, TAFE and local businesses.’’

TAFE Illawarra faculty director Belinda Mackinnon said while TAFE remained committed to training local students it was exploring overseas options.

‘‘TAFE Illawarra is committed to training people to meet the early childhood education requirements locally,’’ she said.

‘‘TAFE Illawarra and Big Fat Smile are working in collaboration with a number of Chinese organisations ... we have significant expertise in early childhood education that could assist Chinese-based educators.’’

Ms Mackinnon emphasised the exchange was two sided.

‘‘Equally there are excellent practitioners and organisations in China that would enhance opportunities for our students and teachers.’’