On-the-job training for Deakin early childhood education students

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn on Saturday announced an expanded partnership with Deakin University that will boost the number of early childhood teachers working in the sector, particularly in regional and rural areas.

The Minister also launched the latest round of the Victorian Government's Certificate III Upskill Support Program, inviting early childhood educators to apply for financial support that will allow them to take their learning further.

Deakin University is offering employment-based course options that enable early childhood education students to study online while learning and working in their early childhood workplace. The university is one of several tertiary institutions delivering tailored courses under Victoria’s Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program.

Diploma-qualified educators seeking to become early childhood teachers can enrol in a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, while Victorians keen to change careers and join the sector can undertake a Graduate Diploma. Students benefit from flexible study options and are paired with an expert teaching coach for individualised support.

More than 200 places are available over two years, with priority entry for applicants working in selected local government areas including Ararat, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Southern Grampians and Ballarat.

Scholarships of $25,000 for bachelor's degree students and $12,000 for graduate diploma students are available, funded by the Victorian Government's Early Childhood Scholarships Program.

Applications for the Certificate III Upskill Support Program are now open, with at least 400 places for eligible early childhood educators looking to upskill to a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The program provides students with $7,000 in financial support while undertaking their diploma.

Students can use the payments to contribute to cost-of-living expenses while studying and working, particularly when on placements. A new stream will see 200 places go to students living in rural and regional Victoria as part of this year's program.

Becoming diploma-qualified deepens educators' knowledge and skills, expanding career paths and opportunities. In 2024, 416 educators accessed the upskilling payment, exceeding expectations.

These programs are part of a suite of initiatives helping Victorians to build rewarding careers in early childhood education. Deakin is currently accepting applications for its employment-based pathways. Applications for the Certificate III Upskill Support Program close on 13 June.

Quotes attributable to Deakin University Head of School, Education, Professor Damian Blake

'Through our partnership with the Victorian Government, Deakin will provide the wraparound supports necessary to help early childhood educators upskill while working in the sector, and to assist Victorians keen to change their career and become early childhood teachers.'

'Having the option to study while working in the sector allows Deakin students to access hands-on learning while fostering supportive professional networks that will help them in their career journey.'

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

'Our partnership with Deakin University is just one of the ways we're helping to grow Victoria's supply of early childhood teachers, while our Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program gives future teachers and educators the professional and financial support they need to thrive in their careers.'

'Through our Certificate III Upskill Support Program, we're boosting the number of diploma-qualified educators working in Victorian kindergartens, particularly in regional and rural areas, and helping these valuable staff to take the next step in their careers.'