Applications now open for 2023 Upskill Program supporting aspiring ECTs

Applications for The Front Project’s 2023 Upskill Program are now open, supporting Victorian university students as they complete their early childhood teaching (ECT) degree.

 

The free program is delivered in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education & Training and The Front Project, the program supports early childhood educators who are upskilling from a diploma to a degree in early childhood education.

 

“The Front Project in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education & Training recognises this significant demand and need to support the next generation of early educators by offering free access to the Upskill Program,” said The Front Project CEO Jane Hunt.

 

Applications for 2023 have opened as the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector faces a 22 per cent increase in demand for workers by 2023, with 9,000 vacancies needing to be filled by next year alone. 

 

Upskill provides crucial support such as transitioning support, mentoring and peer-to-peer support from experienced professionals.throughout the entire duration of their degree and responds to the significant demand for early childhood teachers (ECTs).

 

“The program also offers specialised webinars, fortnightly face-to-face sessions with your Upskill Program Manager, and access to a range of online resources to support the continued success of participants,” Ms Hunt continued.   

 

“At a time when we are seeing demand outpace enrolments and lower university completion rates for early educators, we need innovative programs like this to attract and retain future teachers through their study journey.”

 

The average university completion rate for early childhood education is just 13.5 per cent according to data from ACARA, while the Upskill Program has a 72 per cent retention rate. The Upskill Program provides significant support to students to confidently complete their degree, ready to take the next step in their career. 

 

The Upskill Program provide opportunities to support the early childhood education professionals to achieve two main goals:

 

• Increase their ability for impact in practice
• Increased earning and career capacity.

 

Applicants for the Victorian Department of Education and Training supported Upskill Program must fit the following criteria: 

 

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident 
• Live and work in Victoria 
• Hold an ACECQA approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent) 
• Intend to complete an ACECQA approved bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and work as an ECT in Victoria. 

 

More information about the DET Upskill Program can be found here.