SuniTAFE’s Student of the Year (Certificate III or IV) Bree Antonie transitioned to SuniTAFE directly after completing Year 12 and was able to get a quick start on her career. 

Bree completed CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at the end of 2022. 

“I chose to study at SuniTAFE because my previous school Mildura Senior College recommended it in order to become an Early Childhood Educator, and I heard many positive things about SuniTAFE through my schooling and past students.” 

“I studied Early Childhood Education and Care because I have always loved being around children. It is a passion of mine to be a part of a child’s education and to watch them grow and learn about things that they will carry on later in life,” she said. 

Bree now works at Country Way Early Learning, and she describes her new career as both rewarding and fulfilling. 

“While I was studying, I was able to obtain a job in the Early Childhood Sector. I am currently an Assistant Educator at Country Way Early Learning. After my first placement at Country Way, I was offered a position as a casual employee. After a few months, I was offered a more permanent position to work in a room catering for 2–3-year-olds,” Bree said. 

The learning experiences provided to Bree throughout her time at SuniTAFE has prepared her for this role. 
“The facilities at SuniTAFE were amazing. They suited what I need in order to complete my course and they were easily accessible. The simulation room was my favourite. It enabled me to picture what an Early Learning Centre room would look like.”

“The teachers had background knowledge of, and experience working in, the industry which helped me gain an insight into what it would be like to work in the industry too,” Bree said. 

Bree was awarded Student of the Year (Certificate III or IV) for the 2022 Academic Year at SuniTAFE’s Mildura Graduation and Awards Event. 

In particular, her teachers nominated her for this award due to how she conducted herself during her work placement and paid work.  

They described her as exemplifying SuniTAFE’s values of Relationships, Integrity, and Accountability, whilst remaining committed to best practice in children’s education and care. 

She hopes to go on to complete a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.  

Click here to learn more about completing CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at SuniTAFE, or call 1300 478 648.