Shaping the future together

The Victorian government’s Best Start, Best Life Workforce Strategy is helping educators and early childhood teachers grow their careers and lead early learning in Victoria into the future. 

The state’s early childhood sector is striking the right balance between work and further study by accessing tailored courses and financial support for professional development, including programs for Certificate III qualified educators looking to upskill.

Financial support when you need it

Early childhood scholarships are available for eligible Victorians who want to become early childhood teachers, including Diploma-qualified educators who are looking to take the next step.

The program offers up to $25,000 in financial support to help cover cost-of-living expenses while studying and working, particularly during placement periods.

In recent years, the Victorian government has awarded more than 5,000 early childhood teaching scholarships, providing a significant boost to the workforce across the state. The response from the sector has been resoundingly positive.

Take Jennie Martin, for example, who left behind a 25-year career in hospitality and retrained as a kindergarten teacher in rural Victoria, thanks to scholarship funding and her commitment to a long-held dream.

Early childhood services across Victoria are also embracing the opportunity to invest in their teams by supporting access to upskilling and development pathways.

Certificate III Upskill Support Program 

Applications for the Certificate III Upskill Support Program (CUSP) close on 13 June 2025, with limited places still available for eligible Victorian educators.

Two hundred places have been allocated for a new regional stream to ensure rural and regional educators have access to financial support while upskilling.

The program provides up to $7,000 (before tax) to help cover study-related and general expenses while progressing to a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Eligible educators can also access Free TAFE for the Diploma course through the Victorian Skills Gateway, including those supported through CUSP.

Places are limited, so apply now via the client portal.

To learn more, including eligibility requirements:

• visit the Victorian government website or

• contact BUSY At Work via email:[email protected] or call 1300 161 396.

Image credit: Antoninho dos Santos (Chico), Early Childhood Teacher, Park Street Early Learning Co-op Ltd, Brunswick.