Many young adults are passionate about childcare and there is no better starting platform than au pairing. As an au pair, not only do you learn how to deal with new structures and responsibilities in a stimulating new environment, but you also develop your personal capabilities and expand your general horizons. However, like most jobs, au pair qualifications are needed before you can kickstart your career.
What Do Au Pair Qualifications Entail?
Choosing to become an au pair does not require years of studying after you have matriculated. The best way to ascertain what qualifications are needed is to register with an agency. They will guide you through the process and some even offer online courses that will only add to your existing au pair qualifications. If you meet the agency’s minimum requirements, they will set up an interview and, if successful, they will place you with a suitable host family. Should you be in the process of studying towards a diploma in childcare while applying for an au pair position, your current studies will boost your future earning potential.
Basic Au Pair Qualifications that Need to be Met
First off, reputable agencies will insist that potential candidates are 19 years or older. As most young adults get their driver’s licences as soon as they turn 18, this ensures that they have at least one year’s driving experience before applying for a position. This is quite important as your duties might include fetching children from school or driving them to their various afternoon activities.
One of the important minimum requirements is that you have at least 12 months of consecutive childcare experience. This cannot include babysitting for friends or family. To gain experience before applying for a position, why not consider volunteering for charities that provide childcare facilities? This will give you the practice that you need and provide the agency with contactable references.
Think Outside the Box
Meeting the minimum qualifications is just the start. Should you make the cut and get a placement interview with a family, this is your chance to sell your skills and abilities. Let them know that you are responsible, adaptable, flexible, proactive, patient and can use your initiative. This will go a long way to demonstrating your dedication and commitment to a prospective family.
The Perfect Fit Between a Family, Child and Candidate
At Au Pair Extraordinaire, we ensure that a candidate’s au pair qualifications are met to our satisfaction before placements with families are done. We offer au pair services throughout Johannesburg and Pretoria as well as the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal. Should you consider this your future career path, contact us and we will assist you in finding your perfect family.