New Beginnings: Top 5 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Start a Career in Education
The changing of the seasons is a great time to start a career in education. September, in particular, comes with that motivational back-to-school energy for the kids, which can inspire you to make a career transformation.
Maybe you’re an adult looking for a fall career change, a recent high-school grad looking to begin a rewarding career, a parent returning to the workforce because their kids are starting school full-time, or an international student looking to attend school in Canada. Whatever your reason or motivation, Fall is a great time to begin your career in childcare or early childhood education.
Keep reading to get our top 5 reasons why you should seek out fall education programs in Canada to become a teacher in BC.
1. Fall aligns childcare and school calendars
September is the official back-to-school season, and that comes with renewed energy and motivation (not to mention amazing deals on school supplies). Many ECE programs and practicums begin in September, including ones at Capital College.
If your family life already revolves around the public school calendar, now is an excellent time to go back to school yourself. This aligns your school calendar with your kids calendar.
Align your career change with your children’s school year. That makes right now the perfect time to enroll in a post secondary school or career training program.
2. You’ll be ready to work by spring or summer
You can begin working in the industry in as little as 5-weeks with some ECE programs (such as the Early Childhood Assistant Program). Other programs range from 13 weeks to 80 weeks. The 52-week Early Childhood Education program prepares you to get a job as early as next September, during the start of the school year for many childcare centres.
Many Employers review their staffing needs in the Spring or Summer and will be looking to hire new graduates or open new practicum placements around these times. Starting your ECE or Montessori teacher education in September, often aligns with these seasonal hiring cycles.
Starting your ECE or Montessori education now means you’ll have your diploma or certificate by next September during what some recruiters call the “September Surge.” Recruiters notice an uptick in job hunting and newly available jobs in the September season, and you can leverage this opportunity as a new ECE or Montessori teacher graduate.
Even right now, the ECE job market is ripe with employment opportunities. To get an idea of the available jobs in BC, check out the Capital College job board and nationally available jobs on The Job Bank government website.
3. Harness seasonal motivation for success
Do you remember the childhood excitement and motivation you felt when you returned to school in September? It’s a fresh start and comes with that seasonal motivation that we all share.
September is a time when we feel a renewed sense of productivity and purpose. Starting school within this energetic atmosphere helps you start your career change with high motivation for success.
(Yes, January is often another cycle of renewed motivation due to New Year’s Resolutions, but it doesn’t seem to be as powerful as the September and Fall season. New Year’s Resolutions often lose motivation within weeks, but some say September ones have a higher energy, and it’s easier to maintain through to graduation.)
4. Funding and bursaries often align with Fall starts
If you’re seeking funding, scholarships, or bursaries for your education, many deadlines and program renewals start or end in September. If there is a specific funding program you want, it may not be available for Winter or Spring intakes, or even next year if the funding is depleted.
Many student aid programs, grants, and bursaries have deadlines that align with the September intake. Seizing these opportunities now for Fall intake programs is crucial, especially if you’re relying on this financial support.
5. ECE and Montessori careers are in high demand year-round
While many ECE and Montessori programs have annual or hiring cycles, there is still great demand for teachers year-round. Teachers leave their jobs for many reasons during the school year, and these create openings you can apply for if you’re ready. By taking a 5-week or 38-week program now, there will always be a multitude of job opportunities no matter what season you graduate.
The job prospects for ECE jobs in Canada over the next 3 years are “Very Good” (highest rating) or “Good” in many regions of Canada. In BC, they’re considered “Good” (second highest rating). Over the next 10 years, the industry is expected to face greater demand, with 26% of the workforce over the age of 50, who are expected to retire soon. This could cause a labour shortage across the country if there aren’t enough new graduates in ECE and Montessori to take their place.
Don’t wait for January. Start your journey now
Are you ready to take control of your career now? September and the Fall season are the perfect times to start your first career journey or begin your career transition. September aligns with the school year calendar, adding a fall-season motivation to your own back-to-school journey.
Apply to Capital College today and start your education now. Depending on your program, you’ll be ready to work in as little as 5 weeks or as long as 80 weeks for our comprehensive programs.
Our classes combine in-classroom learning with practicum work placements, providing you with the skills and experience needed to be a changemaker for families in your community. Some students end up being hired by their practicum placements, making it easier to find a job after graduation.
Fall is the perfect time to take control of your future. If you’ve been dreaming of working with children, now is the time. We have spaces available in upcoming cohorts and are awaiting your application.