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In Victoria, is there a demand for Early Childhood Educators with VET qualifications?

Yes. Early Childhood Educators (including Childcare Centre Workers, Centre Managers, Group Leaders, and Coordinators) are currently on the state government’s high-demand jobs and careers list. Recent studies indicate more than 2,000 new ECE jobs will open up over the next 3-4 years in Victoria. Even better, eligible students who live in Victoria can do free training right now under the Free TAFE, JobTrainer and Skills First incentives. Use our quick tool to check your eligibility for the following free courses:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Melinda Irvine Industry expert

Is Free TAFE in Victoria really free?

If you are eligible for an ECE qualification under the Free TAFE incentive, all your tuition fees are paid by the state government of Victoria (in conjunction with the federal government). However, you may still need to pay for things like textbooks, materials for practical work, and amenity fees. Reach out to any of our ECE course training providers for more information about free early childhood qualifications.

Melinda Irvine Industry expert

Is there a big demand for qualified ECTs in Melbourne and regional Victoria?

Yes. Right now in Victoria, the Kindergarten Funding Program, sponsored by the state Government, offers an Early Childhood Teacher Supplement (ECTS) to registered preschools and kindergartens. ECTS is a funding bonus that helps kindergarten providers employ extra teaching staff. ECTS funding is only available for qualified Early Childhood Teachers who are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

Julienne Balcos Industry expert

Are there also training incentives for Victorian students who want to become registered ECTs?

Yes. The government in Victoria is currently offering scholarships of (up to) $25,000 for students who want to enrol in a Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Diploma, or Master’s Degree in early childhood education. There are also cash incentives for qualified ECTs from other states who are willing to relocate to Victoria. Check the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) website for more information about funding support for Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs).

Melinda Irvine Industry expert

Is there much demand for part-time and casual ECTs in Victoria?

Not really. Most ECTs are employed full-time and casual vacancies are usually filled by CERT III and Diploma Educators. Here at Inspired Recruitment, we help a lot of working parents find permanent part-time work as early childhood educators and support workers at childcare centres and kindergartens throughout the state.

Julienne Balcos Industry expert

What about ECT temp assignments?

Most temp assignments are to relieve qualified ECTs who are on maternity leave. You need to be a qualified Early Childhood Teacher to apply for an ECT temp role.

Julienne Balcos Industry expert

I’m studying Early Childhood Education at university, can I work in Melbourne or Victoria while I am studying?

Yes. Get your Working With Children Check Card (WWC Card) and a first aid certificate. As soon as you complete 50% of your course, Inspired Recruitment can place you in CERT III Educator roles and after 75%, Diploma Educator roles. Just ask the university’s student services department to arrange a completion letter for you.

Julienne Balcos Industry expert

What is VIT registration for early childhood teachers in VIC?

To work in Victoria as an early childhood teacher (ECT) you must hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

Julienne Balcos Industry expert

How do I get a Working With Children Check (WWC Card) in Victoria?

Apply for your WWC Card online with Service Victoria, remembering it can take (up to) 12 weeks to process your application. It is illegal to work in Australia without a current WWCC clearance.

Melinda Irvine Industry expert

I live in Victoria, how can I build my career profile in Early Childhood Education and Care?

A great way to get established in the ECE industry is to join a professional association like Early Childhood Australia. This national organisation has regional branches including ECA Victoria who offer networking events, awards, and scholarships for students. If you are currently studying your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) you might even be eligible for a student excellence award.

Julienne Balcos Industry expert

Are there many job opportunities in Melbourne for qualified ECTs who have studied overseas?

Yes. Here at Inspired Recruitment, we partner with a number of registered migration agencies as well as preschools and kindergartens in Melbourne and regional Victoria who welcome overseas candidates. To work in Australia as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) you need to have your overseas qualification assessed and accredited by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). You also need a valid work visa. If you are currently outside Australia we recommend contacting the Australian Department of Home Affairs? and checking the ACECQA website as well as the Overseas Qualification Unit Melbourne. After you have obtained these documents, by all means reach out to the team here at Inspired Recruitment.

Julienne Balcos Industry expert

How long does it take to have my overseas teaching qualification assessed by ACECQA?

It varies. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and can take anywhere from 4-16 weeks. Sometimes a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from another country does not meet the full requirements of the Australia equivalent degree. For example, in countries like the Philippines the overseas candidate might be issued with an Australian Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care rather than a full degree. Remember! You must have obtained your accreditation documents plus an approved working visa before you can apply for ECE jobs in Victoria and other parts of Australia.

Julienne Balcos Industry expert