CTAS Education

School-Based Traineeships

CHC30121- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

What is a school-based traineeship?

A school-based traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care allows you to gain a Certificate III qualification, whilst working in the sector as a paid employee, all while still attending secondary school. 

Regular and meaningful workplace-based training allows the opportunity to develop and gain industry skills and knowledge. It is this aspect that distinguishes a school-based traineeship from conventional institution-based training. 

This opportunity provides a great head start on careers, with the ability to gain a qualification and possibility to continue employment once graduating from secondary education (dependent on the employer). Resumes will look great with real-life work experience.

Benefits of undertaking a school-based traineeship.

  • Paid workplace training to obtain a mandatory Certificate III qualification.
  • Practical application of knowledge.
  • Constant supervision and mentoring by experienced Educators. 
  • An inside perspective of the Early Education and Care sector to ensure this is the right career pathway for the student.
  • Access to a real-life working team environment.
  • Early Education and Care qualifications can also provide study pathways into other career choices.
  • A rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to work closely with children, families and the local community.

Minimum hours of work.

School-based trainees are required to complete a minimum of 7.5 hours per week of work with the employer stated in the training contract. These minimum hour requirements apply throughout the full term of the school-based traineeship and include school holiday periods. 

A school-based trainee can work more than 7.5 hours per week if all parties agree (employer, trainee, parents/guardians).  The extra time in the workplace should be balanced against the overall school program, therefore the school would also need to agree to this arrangement. 

Work times can be arranged to suit the employer, school and school-based trainee. This means that they may work one day per week, two half days, short shifts after school hours or a combination of these. 

A school-based trainee who is absent from work, may need to make up time so they meet the minimum hours requirement. They may also be required to work additional shifts to make up the required minimum hours of 195 hours for every six months. 

Employment in the Early Childhood Sector.

CTAS Education can assist linking prospective school-based trainees with prospective employers in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, if employment hasn’t already been secured. 

If there is already a connection with an Early Learning Service, we are happy to communicate and provide guidance on process and requirements. 

Course Information

This nationally recognised qualification is specifically designed to prepare educators to support children in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia. This may be in an early learning centre, family day care, pre-schools or out of school hours care.

Early Childhood Education and Care is an in-demand industry, and this course will give you the skills and knowledge to confidently provide care to babies, toddlers and children while maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

This course meets the regulatory requirements as stipulated by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an approved early childhood education and care qualifications.

Location, Delivery and Duration

The course is delivered through a combination of face-to-face training and assessment, in an approved education and care service and online learning and assessment, including:

  • One on One Training and Support Sessions
  • Workplace Assessments
  • Practical Observation Assessments
  • Self-paced Knowledge Assessments 

The approximate duration of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education is between 1 – 2 years dependent on each individual learner’s experience and any eligible Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning.

Units of Competence

Unit Code

Unit of Competence

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people (Elective)

CHCECE030

Support inclusion and diversity (Core)

CHCECE031

Support children’s health, safety, and wellbeing (Core)

CHCECE032

Nurture babies and toddlers (Core)

CHCECE033

Develop positive and respectful relationships with children (Core)

CHCECE034

Use an approved learning framework to guide practice (Core)

CHCECE035

Support the holistic learning and development of children (Core)

CHCECE036

Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning (Core)

CHCECE037

Support children to connect with the natural environment (Core)

CHCECE038

Observe children to inform practice (Core)

CHCECE054

Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture (Core)

CHCECE055

Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care (Core)

CHCECE056

Work effectively in children’s education and care (Core)

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice (Elective)

CHCPRT001

Identify and respond to children and young people at risk (Core)

HLTAID012

Provide First Aid in an education and care setting (Core)

HLTWHS001

Participate in work health and safety (Core)

Fees and Charges

School-based traineeships are funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development Traineeship Scheme.

School Based Trainee’s are Fee Exempt.

Credit Transfer

Credit transfer may be applied to Units of Competency/s that have been previously completed.

To apply for credit transfer you will be required to supply a copy of your prior academic transcripts or Unique Student Identifier (USI) transcript during the enrolment process. Once verified any eligible units will be applied to your qualification.

Future Study Pathways

After successfully completing CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, learners may choose to undertake further study pathways including the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal prerequisite requirements for this qualification. 
 
However, for a school-based traineeship learners must:
  • Be a minimum of 15 years old 
  • Be an Australian Citizen, a New Zealand passport holder or hold a visa that allows you to engage in work in Australia.
  • Be permanently employed in an approved education and care service for a minimum of 7.5 hours per week or be willing to secure this.
  • A Working with Children Check (WWCC) will be required for employment purposes. 
  • Have suitable Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills to complete a Certificate III (completion of a LLN assessment will be required)
  • Willingness to commit to study.
  • Learners must have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) to study any qualification or short course in Australia. To create a USI please visit www.usi.gov.au

If you require support and reasonable adjustment, please call us 9350 9222 prior to enrolment.

Resource Requirements

  • Internet access
  • Suitable device to access the Learning Management System

If you do not have access to the above resources, please call us 9350 9222 to discuss further. 

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