But 18-year-old Rebecca Billing's extended family helped her realise children were her calling, and last year she made a commitment to become a child-care worker.

This year she will be part of the Canberra Institute of Technology's record intake of child-care students as part of the Federal Government's plan to fill the skills shortage by dropping the fees for child-care diplomas.

Formal study had never been her thing and Ms Billing left school before completing her Year 12 certificate. But last year, at 17, she completed her certificate 3 in child care at the institute.

She hasn't looked back.

Ms Billings is now working five days a week at St Philip's Kindergarten in O'Connor and will begin her children's services diploma in February.

''I absolutely love it. I can't describe how much I love it. Children don't have a care in the world and they don't judge. To play a part in caring for them and nurturing them is the most important job in the world,'' she said.

Ms Billings said her parents were prepared to support her while she completed her studies and would have covered her fees of about $600 a semester until she earned enough to pay them back.

''But it is great to have that government recognition and help and I hope it makes a difference for those students who would have struggled to pay their fees,'' she said.

''I do believe it will have a positive effect in increasing the number of people coming into the industry.''

Ultimately, Ms Billings wants to complete a degree in social work.

''I want to devote myself to children and my goal is to work in care and protection. I honestly believe I can make a difference.''

The best part of child care was that Ms Billings got to play with children all day. She could not nominate a worst part. ''... some days I get a sore back from picking the kids up. There is nothing like being with a child to put life in perspective and make you happy.'' Emma Macdonald