Make an impact with an early childhood education traineeship

The Victorian early childhood traineeship program is a unique, supported traineeship program. Funded by the Victorian Government, the program supports individuals gaining early childhood education skills and training while earning an income.

Chisholm is managing the program and working in partnership with other partner TAFEs to deliver the program to trainees and Centres across Victoria.

As a trainee you can complete a nationally recognised qualification for free, as the program covers your tuition and material fees.

No experience is necessary to enter the program and opportunities exist across Victoria, allowing trainees to work and study with your local TAFE.

Register your interest

Attend an online information session to learn more.

As a trainee, what is involved in the program?

A traineeship means that you complete on-the-job training with an employer, while you study a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care either part time or full time. It’s completely free to be part of the program.

We will connect you with an local early childhood service that we believe will best suit your needs (your employer), a conveniently located TAFE to you, and an apprenticeship support network provider (AASN).

The Victorian early childhood traineeship program includes:  

  • job application assistance including resume and interview preparation support
  • regular workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector
  • study support and regular check-ins from project coordinators and mentors 
  • mentoring on the job with experienced Early Childhood Educators at your centre
  • access to a community of practice for employers and mentors
  • lots of fun along the way!    

Partner TAFEs around Victoria

Chisholm works closely with several TAFEs across Victoria. Depending on where you are located, once enrolled in the program we will arrange for you to undertake your studies with your local TAFE.

Partner TAFEs include:

  • Box Hill Institute
  • Federation University
  • GOTAFE
  • Kangan Institute
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • TAFE Gippsland
  • Victoria University
  • Wodonga Tafe

As an employer, why should I employ a trainee?

This is a Victorian Government funded program and free for Services to be involved.

Chisholm will meet with you to better understand your Service and needs. We will then identify, screen and recommend trainees best suited to your Service.

You may be eligible for Government financial incentives for employing a trainee.

We support you with ongoing mentoring, professional development and training for your existing workforce to upskill them in working with trainees.

Your Centre will have access to a community of practice with other Centres across the State to share knowledge and nest practice.

Register your interest.

Learn more about the traineeship program.

Next steps

To learn more and to speak to the project team, register your details and we will get back to you.

Read about the experiences of other successful trainees.