Latest round of CUSP opens, strengthening Victoria’s ECEC workforce 

The latest round of the Victorian Government’s Certificate III Upskill Support Program (CUSP) has opened, aiming to strengthen the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce, and in turn to support more kinder places for children and better support for working families. 

Announced by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn, the CUSP program will provide 400 places for educators looking to upskill to a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. This includes $7,000 in financial support that can be used for living expenses while studying and working. 

“We’re not just investing in Free Kinder and infrastructure – we’re making sure there are enough highly trained teachers and educators to deliver kinder programs, with real financial and professional support to get them there,” Ms Blandthorn said. 

“By training more teachers and educators, and supporting their careers, we’re making sure families have access to quality, affordable kinder close to home – no matter where they live.”

Along with the CUSP announcement the Minister also shared that a valuable partnership with Deakin University would be expanding, aiming to help train more early childhood teachers, particularly in regional and rural areas. 

This year, half of the places are reserved for students in rural and regional Victoria – meaning students can study and work close to home. Deakin University is also offering online courses for early childhood education students who want to study while working. 

As part of Victoria’s Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program, Deakin is one of several institutions providing tailored study options. 

“Through our partnership with the Victorian Government, Deakin will provide the wraparound supports necessary to help early childhood educators upskill while working in the sector and assist Victorians keen to change their career and become early childhood teachers,” Deakin University Head of School for the School of Education, Professor Damian Blake said.

“Having the option to study while working in the sector allows Deakin students to access hands-on learning while fostering supportive professional networks that will help them in their career journey.”

Scholarships of $25,000 for bachelor’s students and $12,000 for graduate diploma students are available through the Early Childhood Scholarships Program. More than 200 places are available over two years, with priority access for applicants from selected rural and regional areas, including Ararat, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Southern Grampians, and Ballarat. 

Applications for the Certificate III Upskill Support Program close on 13 June, for more information use this link. 

Deakin is currently taking applications for its employment-based pathways. Please see here for more information.