As Victoria’s population expands, so does its need for early childhood education services.
We’re experiencing plenty of growth at the moment and the state government’s Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program aims to meet this demand by creating more than 11,000 jobs in early childhood education.
It’s a perfect time to join the sector as an educator. If you undertake an early childhood education traineeship, your studies will be free and you will get paid as you learn on the job.
Sonja, one of the Chisholm Regional Coordinators who works with trainees while they’re completing their studies, says it’s a fantastic way to learn the skills you need.
“It's a really, really great option where you can support yourself with an income and complete your studies simultaneously,” she says.
“And you've also got a lot of support while you're doing that.”
Or, if you’re already working in an early childhood education centre, it’s a great time to consider upskilling with your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which is also offered for free, so you can increase your skills and earning capacity.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits you’ll access as an early childhood educator trainee.
Earn while you learn
As Sonja says, a big plus of the trainee program is that it enables you to earn a wage for the work you do in an early childhood education centre while you’re completing your training.
Many trainees love the hands-on nature of the program.
Sarah is an educational leader who mentors trainees at Jindi Woraback, a centre in Melbourne’s west.
Sarah says she sees trainees quickly grow in confidence as they put their skills into practice.
“[Working in a centre] gives the trainees the experience of what it is to work with children and with other educators, it allows them to see on-floor what children's development milestones are like, and also what it means to work in teams.”
Gain a free qualification
At the moment, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are both being offered free of charge through the Free TAFE government initiative. This means, you won’t have pay anything for your studies.
The student amenities cost is also covered within the program, so you won’t be out of pocket.
Receive expert mentorship
The traineeship program is designed to be really supportive. You’ll receive mentorship from your TAFE teachers where you complete your studies, such as Chisholm.
You’ll also be supported by your colleagues at the childcare centre where you do your traineeship.
You’ll have monthly check-ins from the Chisholm Regional Coordinators as well as monthly mentor check-ins.
Belinda, who may be one of your teachers in the program, says she loves to inspire new educators.
“The goal of the traineeship program is to create passionate educators,” she says.
“My role as their teacher is to show them the wonderful things that can happen in early childhood.”
Access extra support
You’ll also receive extra guidance as part of the program.
“Part of my role is to support trainees who need help with job preparation,” says Sonja from Chisholm.
“So that could be CV writing, it could be job interviewing, all the way through to matching trainees with a service that best suits their needs.”
The program also provides various other assistance, such as academic, financial and counselling support, to suit your needs as a trainee.
Progress to further study
After you’ve completed your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you’ll have doors open to further study.
Sonja says a common question is, “If I have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, how can I pathway to a Diploma qualification?”
“Chisholm and all the other TAFEs that we partner with offer the Diploma after the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Not only could you go on and become a fully qualified educator after you complete your traineeship, but you can also continue to study and upskill to become a lead educator or go into your Bachelor – there are so many opportunities academically.”
The more study you complete, the more you’ll be able to earn in the industry.
It’s an easy process, which our coordinators can run you through. Register your details now.
Do a job that shapes lives
The rewards of working in an early childhood education centre are huge. You’ll experience many joyful moments each day with the children you work with – and share in the satisfaction of seeing them grow and develop.
It’s an opportunity to help give children the best possible start in life.
Sonja says she sees so many early childhood educators fall in love with their work – and the trainee program helps get them there.
“It's a really great opportunity to earn an income while you're doing something that you love,” she says.
Register your interest in the program and fill out your details. Our friendly coordinators at Chisholm will get back to you soon.
