Zali Hart didn't need to be asked twice to feature in a national campaign enticing secondary school students into the early learning and care sector.
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The Port Kembla Community Pre-school trainee loves being an early childhood educator and jumped at the chance to talk-up her job to those considering entering the early learning and care sector.
The 20-year-old from Shellharbour features in a video for the Big Roles in Little Lives campaign run by the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA).
"Definitely do it. That's what I'd tell anyone considering this career," Miss Hart said.
"It is so rewarding and enjoyable. Be sure you re prepared for the hard work and every day will throw you a challenge. But, keep positive and remember you are doing it for the children."
Live across YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, the Big Roles in Little Lives campaign promotes the "incredible impact early childhood professionals in the Illawarra can have on children".
ELACCA CEO Elizabeth Death said the campaign also encourages teenagers in Wollongong to consider a career that's future-proof, with the opportunity to guide the learning and wellbeing of our next generation.
"We want people to know that early childhood teachers have never been more important for Australian children and families, and for the economy more broadly. These are roles with purpose, satisfaction and great career prospects," she said.
"We know that young Australians, in particular, have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with youth unemployment rates more than double that of the general population.
"But there is a great opportunity for young people in the booming sector of early learning and care."
Miss Hart seeing the 'big smiles" on the faces of all the kids every morning was one of her favourite parts of the job.
"I love knowing that I'm helping the children reach their goals and extending their learning. It is rewarding helping the children reach their milestones and achieve their goals. See them grow and flourish under my care is so important to me," she said.
"As educators are facilitating the growth of the next generation and we work hard to allow our children to grow and achieve their goals."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
