Become an Au Pair
To become an au pair with Tip-top Au Pairs, there are a few requirements you need to meet. You can view our requirements, see some FAQs and click through to our online application form – all on this page. 🙂
Our requirements are:
Driver’s License
Your Own Car
Age 19 to 35
Matric Certificate
(or equivalent)
ID or Passport & Work Permit
12+ Months Experience with Children
Do you meet the requirements?
Don’t have any experience?
Here are some ideas for you to try:
For babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers:
Look for local day cares, nursery/pre-schools or play groups in your area and volunteer to help out in order to gain experience.
Find your local primary school and volunteer to assist during aftercare. Help as many kids as possible with homework and find out which ages & grades you are comfortable with.
Volunteer to help parents in your neighbourhood by assisting their kids with homework, or by lifting them to school or extra murals.
Babysit as much as you can – every opportunity you get. Although this does not count as formal experience, it will help you get to know the ages you are good with and increase your knowledge about childcare. Babysitting references will also go onto your profile.
FAQs
How much does it cost to register with Tip-top?
We have a once-off registration fee of R150, which you can pay when you come for an interview (we do take cards).
What sort of duties do au pairs do?
General duties include driving, assisting with homework, and taking children to extra mural activities, playdates and outings. If you can entertain the children in a fun and educational ways, parents will like you! This could include baking, sports activities and educational games. Sometimes au pairs are also required to do some cooking, but not always. Some au pairs also care for babies.
Do I need a car to be an au pair?
YES. Driving kids around will be one of your main duties.
How do I become an au pair? Do I need a qualification?
No, the only qualification you need is matric. Other than that, you need to have experience working with children for at least 12 months, a driver’s license, and a car.
How can I better my chances of getting an interview at Tip-top?
Your best bet is to fill in the application form as comprehensively as possible. Don’t leave out any relevant questions and make sure you attach a photo. Being willing to work in more areas also betters your chances. If your salary expectation is too high, you have a slim chance of being picked.
How long does it take to find a job?
That depends on your age, experience, geographical area and the salary you are looking to earn. If your salary requirement is over R7000, it will take longer. If you are willing to drive to areas like Sandton and Randburg, you will most likely find a job faster. If you are younger than 23, it may take a little longer. Parents can be quite fussy about age. Generally it takes about 2 weeks – 2 months to find a position.
Do I need reference letters to apply?
You don’t need any letters, although if you do have them, you should send them to us. What you do need is at least one working contact number for someone who can give you a telephonic reference.
What if I don't have experience?
If you would like to become and au pair but you have no experience, we recommend volunteering to help out at a local nursery school, day care, or orphanage, or getting involved in a community project with children. Once you have built up some experience and you’re able to get a reference from someone, you can apply with us.
Should I do a first aid course?
Yes! It’s great to have first aid knowledge when you’re and au pair. You definitely don’t want to be stuck not knowing what to do in a life-or-death situation. Having first aid is not a requirement of ours, but we do highly recommend it.
Does experience within my family & friends count?
Unfortunately not. You will need to have some formal experience as well as a contact number for your reference.
F.A.Q.
How much does it cost to register with Tip-top?
We have a once-off registration fee of R150, which you can pay when you come for an interview (we do take cards).
What sort of duties to au pairs do?
General duties include driving, assisting with homework, taking children to extra mural activities, playdates and outings. If you can entertain the children in fun and educational ways, parents will like you! This could include baking, sports activities and educational games. Sometimes au pairs are also required to do some cooking, but not always. Some au pairs also care for babies.
Do I need a car to be an au pair?
YES. Driving kids around will be one of your main duties.
How do I become an au pair? Do I need a qualification?
No, the only qualification you need is matric. Other than that, you need to have experience working with children for at least 12 months, a driver’s license, and a car.
How can I better my chances of getting an interview at Tip-top?
Your best bet is to fill in the application form as comprehensively as possible. Don’t leave out any relevant questions and make sure you attach a photo. Being willing to work in more areas also betters your chances. If your salary expectation is too high, you have a slim chance of being picked.
How long does it take to find a job?
That depends on your age, experience, geographical area and the salary you are looking to earn. If your salary requirement is over R7000, it will take longer. If you are willing to drive to areas like Sandton and Randburg, you will most likely find a job faster. If you are younger than 23, it may take a little longer. Parents can be quite fussy about age. Generally it takes about 2 weeks – 2 months to find a position.
Do I need reference letters to apply?
You don’t need any letters, although if you do have them, you should send them to us. What you do need is at least one working contact number for someone who can give you a telephonic reference.
What if I don't have experience?
If you would like to become and au pair but you have no experience, we recommend volunteering to help out at a local nursery school, day care, or orphanage, or getting involved in a community project with children. Once you have built up some experience and you’re able to get a reference from someone, you can apply with us.
Should I do a first aid course?
Yes! It’s great to have first aid knowledge when you’re and au pair. You definitely don’t want to be stuck not knowing what to do in a life-or-death situation. Having first aid is not a requirement of ours, but we do highly recommend it.
Does experience within my family & friends count?
Unfortunately not. You will need to have some formal experience as well as a contact number for your reference.