Career Guide for International Students Postgraduate Diploma in Education_Master of Education and Master of ECE

Career Guide For International Students
Postgraduate Qualifications

www.nztertiarycollege.ac.nz

Contents Page 3

Master of Education (Early Childhood Education), Master of Early Page 3
Childhood Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Education Page 4
(Early Childhood Education) Page 5
Page 6
Pathways Page 7
Job opportunities during study Page 8
Job opportunities after graduation Page 8
Websites for job vacancies and recruitment
Support agencies for international students
Graduate Profile
Video

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Master of Education (Early Childhood Education),
Master of Early Childhood Education and
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)

A New Zealand Qualifications Authority The postgraduate qualifications are best suited to:
(NZQA) approved qualifications ▶ Managers and senior staff wishing to enhance their
NZTC postgraduate qualifications give degree graduates
who are working (or wish to work) in the early childhood leadership and mentoring abilities
sector an opportunity to gain higher-level academic, ▶ Those seeking a career as a researcher, policy analyst,
curriculum, research and leadership skills.
scholar, lecturer or academic in the field of early
Students completing Postgraduate Diploma in Education childhood education
(Early Childhood Education) are eligible to be awarded ▶ Those from diverse settings where early childhood is
full credit towards both the Master of Early Childhood one aspect of a larger field, such as social workers and
Education and the Master of Education (Early Childhood health professionals
Education).

Campuses: NZTC postgraduate qualifications are
available at both our Auckland and Christchurch
campuses.

Pathways

Master of Early Childhood Education Postgraduate Diploma in Education Graduate Diploma in Teaching
Level 9 (Early Childhood Education) (Early Childhood Education)
Level 8 - Duration: 1 year
Duration: 1.5 years Level 7
Duration: 1.33 years
EMPLOYMENT Master of Education Teacher registration and
(Early Childhood Education) provisional certification by
Level 9 - Duration: 2 years Education Council of Aotearoa

New Zealand

EMPLOYMENT

*Alternative pathways through further study with NZTC are available, please visit www.nztertiarycollege.ac.nz

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Job opportunities during study You can also get in touch with the NZTC international
team on [email protected]
International students studying for the Postgraduate or the pastoral support team on
Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) are [email protected] for the list.
eligible to work up to 20 hours a week during the program
of study and full time (30 hours and above) during summer Salary:
vacations scheduled by NZTC. The expected salary is from $15.25 to $19.00 per hour
Please click HERE for the vacations. depending on previous experience, qualifications and
We strongly recommend that you seek work in a childcare place of work. Source: CareersNZ (2016). Early Childhood
centre as a volunteer, paid reliever or teacher aide. The Teacher retrieved from www.careers.govt.nz and
experience gained in this way will not only improve your www.dol.govt.nz
chances of finding full time employment on graduation,
but will also assist you in your studies. Recruitment agencies:
The Ministry of Education maintains an up-to-date Many recruitment agencies assist in placement of people
database of all licensed early childhood centres in New for relief work. Refer to page 6 for website listings.
Zealand. You may find out about ECE services that may
have open positions at www.educationcounts.govt.nz

My postgraduate qualification has given me an edge for senior teacher
positions and managerial positions in the early childhood education sector.

Jaswinder Kaur (India)

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)
“I chose NZTC because it provides quality education and specialises in the field of early
childhood education. It also offers a flexible way of studying through NZTC Online. At
first using the computer was a challenge for me, but soon I overcame this with support
of NZTC Lecturers and friends.
During my study I learned a lot about child psychology, different cultures and the
importance of respecting other cultures, leadership qualities and research methods.”

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Job opportunities after graduation

1. Tutor / lecturer Salary:
Tutors in early childhood education are responsible for Private teachers/tutors who are qualified, certificated
teaching a student or a small group of students. In New teachers can earn $17.00 to $25.00 an hour. Those who
Zealand tutors are usually hired by institutions offering have a relevant degree, teaching qualification and a
qualifications in early childhood education from Level 3 specialist qualification can earn between $30.00 and
to Level 5. $120.00 an hour, depending on previous experience,
qualifications and place of work. Tertiary lecturers usually
Lecturers are responsible for teaching qualifications earn $50,000 or above per year. Source: CareersNZ (2016).
offered by tertiary education providers from Level 5 Private Teacher/Tutor www.careers.govt.nz
to Level 7. Lecturers teach at universities, college of Tertiary lecturer www.careers.govt.nz
education, polytechnics, wānanga and other tertiary
education providers. They may carry out research to be Graduates who want to apply for teaching positions
published. at a tertiary level may get information from the list of
education organisations offering ECE qualifications:
The occupation of university lecturer is on the immediate skill www.nzqa.govt.nz
shortage list of Immigration New Zealand effective from 11
April 2016. Universities New Zealand indicates that tertiary 2. Research assistant / research analyst
providers will require over 500 academic staff per year A research assistant supports researchers to undertake
until 2020. Source: CareersNZ (2016). Retrieved from www. specific research projects, gathering qualitative /
careers.govt.nz quantitative information to provide facts and figures.
A research analyst is responsible for analysing the data
In 2014, New Zealand Tertiary College conducted a to inform the research findings. There are a number of
survey of NZTC graduates and 350 graduates responded. organisations and institutions that employ research
The survey focused on the impact that our graduates’ assistants and analysts.
qualifications have on their working roles, income and
career development. Salary:
2014 Graduate survey snapshots: Salaries for research assistants and research analysts vary
on the basis of the experience, responsibility and whether
Were you “work ready” NO it is a private or public sector organisation. The expected
upon graduation from your 4% salary is from $35,000 per year. Source: CareersNZ (2016).
program? Market Research Analyst retrieved from
9Y6ES% www.careers.govt.nz

Are you currently working in NO Some of the institutions and agencies which hire them
a role that utilises your early 8% are as follows:
childhood qualification? ▶ Universities, Polytechnics, Private Training
9Y2ES%
Establishments
How likely are you to UNLIKELY ▶ The New Zealand Council for Educational Research
recommend NZTC to others? 5% ▶ The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research
▶ The Ministry of Education
9LI5K%ELY ▶ The Ministry of Social Development
▶ The Department of Labour

3. Administrator
Administrators are responsible for day to day operations
for the organisations. Many administrator roles are
available in education institutions, early childhood centres
and their corporate offices and government agencies.

Salary:
Salaries for administrators vary on the basis of the
experience, responsibility and whether it is a private
or public sector organisation. The expected salary
is from $35,000 per year. Source: CareersNZ (2016).
Administration Officer retrieved from
www.careers.govt.nz

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Some of the institutions and agencies which hire Barnados New Zealand, Kindercare Learning Centres,
administrators are as follows: Lollipops Educare and Porse In-Home Childcare. Please
▶ Universities, Polytechnics, Private Training visit the ‘Career’ sections of their websites for latest
vacancies. You may find out more information about
Establishments New Zealand qualified centres and their corporate
▶ Early childhood education and care centres including organisations through the link:
www.educationcounts.govt.nz
their corporate organisations ▶ Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR)
▶ The Ministry of Education and its agencies such as OSCAR services are delivered before school hours,
after school hours or during school holiday breaks.
TeachNZ, NZQA, Education Council of Aotearoa New It provides supervision and recreation as well as
Zealand education facilities. Many career opportunities both
▶ The Ministry of Social Development and its agencies full time and part time are available as OSCAR roles
such as Child, Youth and Family, Careers NZ throughout New Zealand. e.g.
List of education organisations offering ECE www.busybumbles.co.nz specialises in OSCAR roles
qualifications: www.nzqa.govt.nz ▶ Coordinators for holiday program and leisure recreation
List of centres and their corporate organisations: Various positions here are seasonal especially during
www.educationcounts.govt.nz summer holidays or school break sessions.
4. Other career opportunities careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and the ymca.org.nz
▶ Corporate career
Various positions are available in the corporate offices
of large early childhood centres chains, e.g. Kidicorp,

The qualification has equipped me significantly as I feel prepared to
take the lead in a managerial role at a centre now. I am now working
as a tutor at a college in Auckland – I love it!

Sabrina Sultana (Bangladesh)

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)
“The lecturers guided me throughout my Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) in
the tutorials and online. Studying via NZTC Online was very effective, as I could do the course readings at my
convenience. The online discussion forum is like a classroom. This qualification is very much in demand and NZTC
will guide all the students through the course - I couldn’t recommend it more.”

Websites for job vacancies and recruitment

Early childhood services are responsible for employing ▶ Education Personnel
their own staff. There is no central staffing agency and no A recruitment agency specialising in education vacancies
government department responsible for staff placement.
You should apply directly to the employer. ▶ TeachNZ website
You can also find work through the Ministry of Education’s A Ministry of Education-run site with useful information
preferred teacher recruitment agencies, which offer free about working and living in New Zealand
recruitment services. Job vacancies are advertised in a
range of ways including: ▶ KiwiOz Nannies
A company that fills childcare vacancies in Auckland

1. Websites for education and teaching jobs: ▶ NZ Education Gazette
Education and teaching jobs websites are specialists that The Education Gazette advertises current teaching
list job vacancies in the field of education and teaching vacancies at early childhood education services
sectors only.

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▶ Oasis Education Ltd 3. General websites
A Ministry of Education-accredited teacher employment There are many general websites for job vacancies and
agency, useful for teachers seeking employment in New recruitment such as:
Zealand (Auckland-based), and schools looking for a ▶ Carefinder
teacher (relief or full-time)
Register for jobs in childcare and elderly care
▶ Randstad Education
A recruitment agency specialising in education. Contains ▶ New Kiwis
vacancy listings A site that links New Zealand employers with skilled
migrants who are eligible to work, and currently live,
▶ Preschool Staffing Solutions or intend to live, in New Zealand
A specialist recruitment company providing both
temporary and permanent staff to early childhood ▶ NZ Herald Jobs
centres, afterschool programs and holiday programs Search the New Zealand Herald’s jobs section online
throughout New Zealand. They are New Zealand owned
and operated with their head office based in Rangiora, ▶ Seek
Canterbury An extensive list of job vacancies from a range of
employers across New Zealand and Australia. Also
2. Websites for volunteer jobs provides an email notification service as well as career
Volunteer jobs can help learn new skills and open doors development resources and training information
to careers in New Zealand. The skills and work experience
gained as well as contacts made will prove invaluable ▶ Student Job Search
when it comes to job hunting as the position can be added Listings of temporary job vacancies for tertiary
to CVs. Volunteer jobs increase chances to find full-time students
jobs in New Zealand.
▶ Barnardos NZ ▶ TradeMe Jobs
Job vacancies advertised on TradeMe
A New Zealand organisation offering opportunities to
work as a volunteer helping children in need ▶ Alpha Recruitment
▶ VolunteerNet A recruitment agency specialising in executive roles
Matches volunteers with short-term, event-based
volunteer opportunities ▶ Hudson
▶ Volunteer Now A recruitment agency operating over a range of
Information about volunteering in New Zealand, industries
including details of local volunteer centres and jobs
available ▶ Kelly Services
▶ Volunteeringnz.org.nz and volunteeringauckland.org.nz Browse temporary, part-time, and permanent jobs on
A New Zealand volunteer information website offer through this agency

▶ Kinetic Recruitment
Browse temporary, part-time, and permanent jobs on
offer through this agency

Support agencies for international students

International students who have settlement issues may get between New Zealand employers or managers and new
assistance and support from the following organisations: migrants/international students. It explains how New
1. Immigration New Zealand websites Zealanders communicate at work. There is a section
Immigration New Zealand has launched the following for migrants/international students and another for
websites to assist international students working in New employers.
Zealand during and after their studies. 2. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
nzstudywork.immigration.govt.nz (NZ Study + Work) The CAB is a one-stop-shop for any information required.
This website outlines rights and responsibilities at work The CAB has become a place of essential community
for international students and New Zealand employers. It service where the general public can go to know
provides links to more detailed information. their rights and obligations as well as how to use this
worktalk.immigration.govt.nz (WorkTalk) information to good effect. The CAB provides general
This website is designed to help improve communication advice and specialist advice free of charge.
www.cab.org.nz

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3. Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) Careers New Zealand offers range of services including:
ARMS is the first point of contact for migrants in New ▶ Step by step guide to job hunting
Zealand for information and services. Their mission is to ▶ Finding work when jobs are scarce
facilitate successful settlement of newcomers, economic ▶ Volunteer work can help make career decisions
empowerment of communities and intercultural respect.
They provide a range of services which are either free or 5. Christchurch Migrants Centre
at a very nominal cost. International students may use the The Migrant Centre hosts organisations that are dedicated to
information online as a resource. servicing the settlement needs of migrants.
www.migranthub.org.nz
Some of the important services provided by ARMS
are as follows: 6. Christchurch Educated
www.settlement.org.nz Christchurch Educated Inc. is a group of education providers
▶ Workshops and Events based in the city of Christchurch and the region of Canterbury,
▶ Job Seeker Support New Zealand. One of the objectives of Christchurch Educated
▶ Community Collaboration & Service Provider Support is to create an education and living experience for students
▶ English Language Advisory Services that is positive and genuinely life-changing.
www.christchurcheducated.co.nz
4. Careers New Zealand
Careers New Zealand is the leading government
careers support agency for all New Zealanders needing
information, advice and support to make life-defining
decisions. Careers New Zealand offers expert, free
advice and support to help New Zealanders make smart,
well-informed decisions about their careers.
www.careers.govt.nz

Graduate profile

I’ve loved meeting the fantastic Lecturers - they’re all so experienced,
with rich backgrounds in early childhood education.

Devika Rathore (India)

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)
Devika had never studied online before, so she was pleased to receive a thorough orientation at the beginning of the
course. She soon discovered that the way of learning in New Zealand was really different to what she experienced in
India. “I wasn’t used to the idea of ‘learning via discussions’. But I’ve found it presents a lot of opportunities. In fact
your whole course depends on being able to discuss your ideas… We all come with our own ideas, but you need to
get rid of the rigid ones and be open to others’ perspectives. And participate! Discussions, debates, whatever it is…
active participation is so important.”

Video

Career as an early childhood educator
Click on the links to learn more about a career as an early childhood educator, and to see some stories from our graduates.

▶ www.teachnz.govt.nz

▶ Graduate profile: Pallavi Rawat
Graduate profile: Pallavi Rawat (Accessible in mainland China)

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