Tag: childcare

Early childhood Traineeship or Working Towards? Choosing the best path to start.

~ Storykate ~ Leave a comment

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is an exciting and rewarding journey. But before you step into the world of nurturing young minds, you need to get qualified.

For most aspiring educators, this means earning a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III ECEC)—the entry-level qualification required to work in childcare.

The two main ways to achieve this qualification are:

  • A Traineeship – You study while working in a childcare centre, earning a wage as you complete your qualification.
  • Working Towards – You secure a job in a childcare setting first and complete your Cert III studies independently (often online or part-time).

While both paths lead to the same qualification, they come with different benefits and challenges. So, which one is right for you? Let’s explore both options to help you make the best decision.

What is an Early Childhood Traineeship?

A traineeship allows you to earn while you learn. You’re employed by a childcare centre that supports your structured training, combining hands-on experience with coursework.

Pros of a Traineeship ✅

✔ Paid Learning – Unlike unpaid student placements, Traineeship provide a wage while you gain experience.
✔ Structured Support – You get guided training from experienced educators.
✔ Government Incentives – Some states offer financial support, such as payments every six months for study milestones.
✔ Job Security – Many trainees secure long-term employment with their centre.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Lower Wages Initially – Trainees typically earn $19–$22 per hour, although mature-age trainees may start at $24–$30 per hour.
✘ Fixed Training Duration – Most traineeships take 12–18 months to complete. Your pay may not increase until you finish.
✘ Not All Employers Follow Award Rates – Some trainees have reported being underpaid, so it’s important to check your entitlements.

💡 Tip: Before signing up for a traineeship, make sure employer follows the award rates set by Fair Work Australia. Check the latest pay rates here.

What is “Working Towards” a Cert III?

If you prefer more flexibility and higher pay from the start, you can find a job in childcare first and complete your studies separately.

Pros of Working Towards Your Cert III ✅

✔ Higher Starting Pay – Many “working towards” educators earn $27–$30 per hour, significantly more than trainees.
✔ More Study Flexibility – You can choose how you study, whether part-time, online, or through a blended program.
✔ Faster Career Progression – Once you finish your Cert III, you might already qualify for a pay raise or a promotion.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Less Structured Support – Unlike traineeships, there’s no dedicated mentor guiding you through the process.
✘ Balancing Work & Study – You must be self-motivated to complete coursework while working full-time.
✘ No Guaranteed Job Security – Unlike trainees, employers aren’t required to invest in your development, meaning job stability might depend on performance.

💡 Tip: If you’re considering this path, check out ACECQA’s guidelines for “actively working towards” your qualification. Read more here.

Traineeship vs. Working Towards—Which is Better for You?

Your best option depends on your personal priorities and learning style.

FactorTraineeshipWorking Towards
Starting PayLower ($19–$22/hr)Higher ($27–$30/hr)
Study SupportStructured trainingSelf-paced learning
FlexibilityFixed scheduleMore flexible
Job SecurityStrong (employer invests in training)Depends on performance
Career ProgressionSlower (fixed traineeship period)Potentially faster

Ask yourself:

  • 💰 Do you need financial stability now? → Working Towards might be better.
  • 📚 Do you prefer structured training and guaranteed support? → A Traineeship may suit you.
  • 🕒 Do you want a faster career path? → Working Towards offers quicker pay increases.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Path That Works for You

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education is a big step, and both pathways have their advantages.

  • If you need guidance, structured learning, and job security, a traineeship is a great way to enter the industry.
  • If you want to earn more from the start and are self-motivated, working towards your Cert III while employed might be the smarter option.

Regardless of which path you take, make sure you understand your rights and pay entitlements. If you’re unsure, talk to your employer or a registered training organisation (RTO) for advice.

💬 Have you taken one of these paths? Share your experience in the comments!

🔗 Helpful Resources:

Traineeship or Working Towards? Choosing the Best Path to Start Your Early Childhood Education Career

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is an exciting and rewarding journey. But before you step into the world of nurturing young minds, you need to get qualified.

For most aspiring educators, this means earning a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Cert III ECEC). It is the entry-level qualification required to work in childcare.

The two main ways to achieve this qualification are:

  • A Traineeship – You study while working in a childcare centre, earning a wage as you complete your qualification.
  • Working Towards – You secure a job in a childcare setting first and complete your Cert III studies independently (often online or part-time).

While both paths lead to the same qualification, they come with different benefits and challenges. So, which one is right for you? Let’s explore both options to help you make the best decision.

What is an Early Childhood Traineeship?

A traineeship allows you to earn while you learn. You’re employed by a childcare centre that supports your structured training, combining hands-on experience with coursework.

Pros of a Traineeship ✅

✔ Paid Learning – Unlike unpaid student placements, traineeships provide a wage while you gain experience.
✔ Structured Support – You get guided training from experienced educators.
✔ Government Incentives – Some states offer financial support, such as payments every six months for study milestones.
✔ Job Security – Many trainees secure long-term employment with their centre.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Lower Wages Initially – Trainees typically earn $19–$22 per hour, although mature-age trainees may start at $24–$30 per hour.
✘ Fixed Training Duration – Most traineeships take 12–18 months to complete. Your pay may not increase until you finish the program. I once had a student who took over 2 years to complete her certificate 3.
✘ Not All Employers Follow Award Rates – Some trainees have reported underpayments. It’s important to check your entitlements.

💡 Tip: Before signing up for a traineeship, ensure your employer follows the award rates set by Fair Work Australia. Check the latest pay rates here.

What is “Working Towards” a Cert III?

Prefer more flexibility and higher pay from the start? You can find a job in childcare first and complete your studies separately.

Pros of Working Towards your Cert III ✅

✔ Higher Starting Pay – Many “working towards” educators earn $27–$30 per hour, significantly more than trainees.
✔ More Study Flexibility – You can choose how you study, whether part-time, online, or through a blended program.
✔ Faster Career Progression – Once you finish your Cert III, you might already qualify for a pay raise. You might also qualify for a promotion.

Potential Downsides ❌

✘ Less Structured Support – Unlike traineeships, no dedicated mentor guides you through the process.
✘ Balancing Work & Study – You must be self-motivated to complete coursework while working full-time.
✘ No Guaranteed Job Security – Unlike trainees, employers aren’t required to invest in your development. This means job stability might depend on performance.

💡 Tip: If you’re considering this path, check out ACECQA’s guidelines for “actively working towards” your qualification. Read more here.

Traineeship vs. Working Towards – which is better for you?

Your best option depends on your personal priorities and learning style.

FactorTraineeshipWorking Towards
Starting PayLower ($19–$22/hr)Higher ($27–$30/hr)
Study SupportStructured trainingSelf-paced learning
FlexibilityFixed scheduleMore flexible
Job SecurityStrong (employer invests in training)Depends on performance
Career ProgressionSlower (fixed traineeship period)Potentially faster

Ask yourself:

  • 💰 Do you need financial stability now? → Working Towards might be better.
  • 📚 Do you prefer structured training and guaranteed support? → A Traineeship may suit you.
  • 🕒 Do you want a faster career path? → Working Towards offers quicker pay increases.

Choose what works for you

Starting a career in Early Childhood Education is a big step, and both pathways have their advantages.

  • If you need guidance, structured learning, and job security, a traineeship is a great way to enter the industry.
  • If you want to earn more from the start, and you are self-motivated, working towards your Cert III while employed might be the smarter option.

Regardless of which path you take, make sure you understand your rights and pay entitlements. If you’re unsure, talk to your employer, TAFE or a registered training organisation (RTO) for advice.

💬 Have you taken one of these paths? Share your experience in the comments!

🔗 Helpful Resources:

Why Choose a Career in Early Childhood Education?

~ Storykate ~ Leave a comment

Early childhood educators play an essential role in shaping the future of Australia children. It is also a profession in demand and is growing sector. If you love working with children, enjoy being part of a team, and want to make a real difference, early childhood education could be the perfect path for you.

Here are six great reasons to consider this career:

1. Strong Job Demand

The early learning sector in Australia employs thousands of educators, and the demand keeps growing. With over 1.4 million children enrolled in early learning services, there’s a continuous need for qualified professionals. In fact, as of August 2024, there are more than 5,751 job advertisements for Early Childhood Educators on SEEK across the country. The number of service providers also increases each year, ensuring stable job opportunities in the sector. For more details on job prospects in this field, you can visit the Job Outlook website.

2. Learn While You Work

You don’t need prior qualifications to start. Many of my students studying Certificate 3 are already working in the centres. Many employers offer Traineeships or Apprenticeships, allowing you to earn a recognised qualification while gaining practical experience. These opportunities are open to people of all ages, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change. When I worked as a trainer and assessor at one non-for-profit RTO, most of my students were women (moms) looking for their first job in Australia after they moved here as a family.

3. Clear Career Path

Starting as a trainee or student who is working towards Certificate 3 in ECEC, you can work in various settings like early learning centres, kindergartens, or outside school hours care. With more experience and study, you could advance to roles such as Lead Educator, Educational Leader, Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Trainer or even Centre Manager. There’s always room to grow and develop your skills, offering a fulfilling and progressive career path.

4. Rewarding Work

As an early childhood educator, you play a crucial role in a child’s social, emotional, and academic development during a critical stage of their growth. Your work makes a lasting impact, helping them become confident, curious, and ready to learn. It’s a deeply rewarding job where you can see the difference you’re making every day.

5. Skilled Migration Opportunities

Australia recognises the importance of early childhood educators and has included this profession in its skilled migration program. If you’re qualified and interested in working in Australia, you may be eligible for skilled migration, allowing you to build a career in a country with a high demand for early childhood professionals. This can be an excellent opportunity for those looking to immigrate and build a meaningful career.

If you are worried about your level of English, watch this video, where I talk about how I improved my English fast at the beginning of my career.

6. Study for Free or Low Cost

In 2024, eligible people can study early childhood education for free or at a low cost, thanks to government funding. Courses like the Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care are often covered. Check with your state or territory’s Department of Education to find out what’s available.

Median salary

The median weekly earnings for early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers in Australia is $1,660.  

The Bigger Picture

Australia’s early learning sector is vast, with over 16,000 approved early learning centres operating nationwide. These centres cater to more than 1.4 million children, illustrating the significant role that early childhood education plays in the country. The sector’s growth and the high number of children attending services highlight the ongoing demand for dedicated and skilled educators.

You can learn more about the sector and its requirements on the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website. The basic qualification is Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care, which takes about one year to complete, it includes 160 hours of placement.

Ready to Get Started?

Being an early childhood educator comes with its challenges, but it’s also full of rewarding moments.

If you’re passionate about supporting children during their early years, starting a Traineeship could be the perfect fit.

To learn more, talk to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) (this is where I work) , TAFE or contact your local early learning services about job and training opportunities. You’ll need a Working With Children Check or Police Check, which your state or territory government can help you organise.

For more details on required qualifications, visit the ACECQA website.