Men in ECE Invitation Award
The Men in ECE Invitation Award invites men to discover a rewarding career in early childhood teaching. If you enjoy working with children, want a meaningful job that makes a real difference, and are curious about teaching, this award can help you start your training and join a supportive, professional community.
Why apply
- Financial support: $500 grant toward study costs
- Professional access: 12-month OECE membership with full online resources and research
- Career opportunity: Pathway into a socially and educationally important profession where men are really needed and warmly welcomed
- Impact: Help children thrive and challenge outdated gender stereotypes in education
How to apply
Complete the form below and send it in to us.
Who Offers the Award and Why?
The Office of Early Childhood Education offers this award to encourage more men to enter the early childhood education (ECE) profession.
Many men may not consider ECE teaching because it is traditionally female dominated, yet they can be excellent with children and find it a rewarding career.
Achieving gender balance in ECE teaching is vital for delivering high-quality ECE to children. It also helps challenge outdated stereotypes and address occupational gender bias.
Application form for the Men in ECE Invitation Award
Download and complete the application form.
Recipients of the Men in ECE Invitation Award
Karl Wilton Vidad 2024
Christchurch based. Studying for a Graduate Diploma in ECE Teaching at the University of Auckland.
See an article about Karl Wilton Vida
DJ (Donald) Sowerby 2024
Gisborne based. Studying for a Grad Diploma of Teaching in ECE
Sponsor: Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about DJ Sowerby
Suhaib Imran 2022
Dunedin based. Studying for a Master of Teaching and Learning (ECE) at the University of Otago.
Sponsor: NZ Childcare Finance
See an article about Suhaib Imran
Liam Bowen 2021
Auckland based. Studying for a Grad Diploma in ECE at the University of Auckland
Sponsor: Honeybees Early Childhood Centre
See an article about Liam Bowen
Josh Allen, 2018
Wellington based, Full-time study for a B.Ed degree in ECE at the University of Victoria, Wellington
Sponsor: Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Josh Allen
Matthew Lambert, 2015
Auckland based. Full-time study for a B.Tch degree in ECE
Sponsor: Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Matthew Lambert
Simon Murphy, 2014
Nelson based. Studying at the University of Canterbury
Sponsor: Shine Montessori Educare Early Childhood Centre, Lower Hutt
Patrick Lockley, 2014
Hamilton based. Full-time studying at Wintec
Sponsor: Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Patrick Lockley
Joshua McKay, 2014
Blenheim based. Full-time study at the TTPOoA/NZ Childcare Assn
Sponsor: Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Joshua McKay
Ben Goris, 2014
Auckland based. Full-time study at UNITEC
Sponsor: Educational Personnel
See an article about Ben Goris
Shaun Masterson, 2013
Kumeu based. Studying at UNITEC
Sponsored by UNITEC.
Jade Bollond 2013
Auckland based. Studying at UNITEC
Sponsored by the Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre
See an article about Jade Bollond
Robert Barlow 2013
Hamilton based. Studying at Wintec
Sponsored by the Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre
See an article about Robert Barlow
