ZOË Tolhurst is precisely what the early childcare industry needs and was recently acknowledged by TAFE NSW for precisely that.

Awarded with the 2021 TAFE NSW Trainee of the Year, Zoë was recognised for her dedication and passion for her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Changing from graphic design to early childcare education she took on an eighteen month course finishing in just eight months.

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“I really didn’t expect to receive the award and I had to get into my head that I deserved it,” she told News Of The Area.

Like many young people she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do until one day it just fell into place.

“I was with a tennis coach at the time waiting for one of my coaching lessons.

“I was watching him with the kids and I loved the interactions he had and over a period of time, it really inspired me to give it a go.”

She quit her job as a graphic designer and became a tennis coach and during that time, developed a passion for working with kids.

After looking for traineeships Zoë applied at the preschool she had attended, was given the place and hasn’t looked back.

“My favourite thing about working with children is definitely the friendship.

“The benefits of being friends with the kids you’re working with and getting to see their faces light up when you remember a story they told you or know a show they like, you see their face light and nothing beats that,” she said.

As much as Zoë Tolhurst loves her job, she urges parents to be more understanding of the full task of being an early childcare worker.

“It’s not as easy as people think.

“I know that myself and all the educators I work with work so hard to ensure that every child has a program they love and enjoy.

“Each child is so different and it takes a lot of effort to cater to each individual need,” Zoë said.

Congratulations to Zoë on a wonderful award and best of luck with your career.

By Tara CAMPBELL