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.
| Factor | Traineeship | Working Towards |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | Lower ($19–$22/hr) | Higher ($27–$30/hr) |
| Study Support | Structured training | Self-paced learning |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | More flexible |
| Job Security | Strong (employer invests in training) | Depends on performance |
| Career Progression | Slower (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:
- ACECQA: Actively Working Towards a Qualification
- Victorian Early Childhood Traineeship Program
- Fair Work Australia Pay Rates
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.
| Factor | Traineeship | Working Towards |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | Lower ($19–$22/hr) | Higher ($27–$30/hr) |
| Study Support | Structured training | Self-paced learning |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | More flexible |
| Job Security | Strong (employer invests in training) | Depends on performance |
| Career Progression | Slower (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:
- ACECQA: Actively Working Towards a Qualification
- Victorian Early Childhood Traineeship Program
- Fair Work Australia Pay Rates