Hi everyone

Does anyone know of any links to find this type of work in OZ. Basically I have lots of years experience in this role including that of mentoring and teaching lower ability students Literacy and Numeracy. Thanks in advance for your help

hi try seek and jobs.com.au also career one

good luck

jan xx

I tried for this type of work when I first moved to Oz and I have the qualifications and experience but found it very Difficult. Dont know if its any different else where but in Queensland it seems you need to be on the inside to get work like this - ie you have to do voluntary work and when a position comes up they are then aware of you and you may have chance of the job. I filled in pages and pages of applications and didnt even get any interviews so had to settle for something else as I coundnt afford to work voluntary.

We dont do the para professional thing here in the same way - teaching aides are usually just another pair of hands in the classroom and can be called upon to toilet, shower, change, stop violent behaviour etc. Generally not a very well paid job and usually only offered contracts as their employment so often depends on the child to whom the assistance is tagged. They have no duty of care and do not write (well, should not!) write programs for children. All depends on where you are going of course but here there are no qualifications required, other than a clean police check. If you have some qualifications they will stand you in good stead of course but just be prepared to be a general dogs body.

That's not the experience I have come across here.

In Perth your qualifications will be recognised and that will stand you in good stead for eventually getting a teaching degree. This was offered to me this year but you need to be working in the Australian Education dept for 3 or 5 years first (can't remember which). Jobs are like hotcakes and get snapped up PDQ but the best way in is to go round all the schools in your area and hand in a resume with a Working With Children Check (you can do this at your Aus PO) and put your name forward for doing paid relief work. Unlike in the UK, if you are going to be off work or are sick they will get relief in here for a TA. That way she you suss out which schools you prefer and also will be on the spot if a permanent position comes up though you would have to apply for it along with Joe Public. Once a permanent position is secured here then that job is yours even if the child leaves, the school have to do their best to give you the same amount of hours within the school, failing that the education department is obliged to place you in another local school with the same amount of hours.

Because there are so many TA's with formal qualifications now out here, schools will not really touch you without them. You will will also be on a really good footing if she has special needs qualifications and experience. Better money too.

https://schooljobs.education.vic.gov...RAM.HRS_CE.GBL

search on school support.

You need this http://www.education.monash.edu.au/s...ationaide.html

or

http://www.education.monash.edu.au/s...acheraide.html

Ian

This is definitely not my experience either. I am qualified in childcare and have years of experience but would not even be considered for a teacher's aide position without the certficate III in Education Support. These jobs are very much in demand and I have found that it is definitely a bonus if you volunteer your services - a case of who you know not what you know really!
I am just about to start the education support course and have secured an industry placement in my son's primary school so hopefully I will end up with a job there when qualified.

To the OP, the local TAFE will provide and education support course if you need to complete one but there will probably be a long waiting list for it. I went with CareerKeys who provide the course through private sources, it cost me about £1100.

Ah, there's your answer, come to Canberra

(from the Dept website)
Special Teacher Assistants – STA
Full-time working hours for special teacher assistants are 6:15 hours per day with commencement and cessation times varying between schools. Casual and temporary employment is available in mainstream and special schools. STAs work with classroom teachers to facilitate the learning program for students with a wide range of disabilities. No mandatory qualifications are required. For specific information on work available in Special Schools please contact the school:

Not saying that there wont be heaps of competition for the spots nor that additional qualifications would not give you an advantage but there you go!

Many TAFEs are doing cert III courses for STAs these days. The time will not be far in the future when they may require mandatory qualifications but there may be some reticence from Departments because as soon as they do that then they will have to pay more than the peanuts they currently fork out. I agree that they are positions in demand because they offer the possibility of school hours which is very appealing to parents of school age kids but having said that, schools are always asking if you know anyone who wants a few hours work.