What is a traineeship?

A traineeship is on-the-job training with an employer, while you study and get paid - with a focus on hands-on practical learning.

It’s perfect if you want to gain an accredited nationally recognised qualification at the same time as work experience.

Traineeships can be either full-time or part-time.

During your training you will be mentored by a supervisor who supports and educates you within the workplace throughout the traineeship.

During a traineeship you will undertake your training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). RTOs are education providers like Chisholm or a partner TAFE across Victoria.

You can enrol anytime in a traineeship, even if you are still at school!

Should I do a traineeship or become a workplace student?

Trainees often have allocated study time, strong support provided by the Service and TAFE and you will be relieved from work to attend your TAFE classes. Trainees are also entitled to incentives.

A workplace student is required to complete their studies outside of work hours and are expected to ‘work towards’ their completion of their qualification in their own time.

Am I eligible for the program if I have already accessed Free TAFE?

Under the FREE TAFE initiative, you can do another Free TAFE course if you hold a qualification that is part of a Free TAFE pathway and are continuing in the same pathway.

This would mean that you could complete a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

The program and FREE TAFE initiative covers your tuition fees and all material fees.

Is the course available for international students?

To be eligible for the course you will need to be either:

  • An Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or
  • NZ Passport holder who has been in Australia for more than 6 months or
  • Anyone eligible for Skills First Funding.

How long does it take to complete the traineeship?

On average it takes between 12 to 18 months to complete your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or 12 months for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

However, some students may be able to fast track their studies.

What delivery options are there for my study?

We offer a range of course delivery options to suit both yourself and your employer’s needs.You can attend classes:

  • Face-to-face at your local TAFE every second Friday
  • via Zoom every fortnight (on a Friday) 
  • Evening classes on Tuesday and Thursday via Zoom; and 
  • Access additional optional study support session online (on a Wednesday night) 

Do I have to work full time?

Traineeships can be completed either part time or full-time.

Traineeships cannot be completed on casual contracts. However, you must work a minimum of 13 hours a week.

I have finished my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, what’s next?

If you have completed your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course with either a CHC30121 or CHC30113 course code, you can now do a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship for FREE under the free TAFE pathway.

The program allows you to complete a further study pathway under the Free TAFE priority pathway initiative.

If I have found a Centre to work at already, what do I do now?

If you have already identified a potential employer, register your interest and a program coordinator will get back to you to talk about employment and program eligibility.

I am an employer who has questions about the program, what do I do?

Register your interest and a Program coordinator will give you a call to discuss the specific needs of your centre.