Have you heard about the Practicum Exchange Network?

Emerging early childhood teachers (ECTs) who need to complete a placement as part of their qualification may be interested to know about the Practicum Exchange Network which allows candidates to search for and arrange exchange placement opportunities on a dedicated website.

Approved providers who have the ability to host placement students are also able to use the site to advertise their opportunities. 

Practicum placements help ECTs to gain practical, work-place experience in an early childhood educational setting. They are a mandatory part of becoming a qualified ECT, and for most institutions and qualifications, these placements must be partially completed outside of an educator’s primary workplace. 

As well as helping aspiring ECTs to gain experience, completing a placement in a setting different from their own creates a workforce which has diverse experiences and perspectives, as well as opening up opportunities for networking and support, and the transfer of skills and knowledge. 

How the network will operate

From July 2024 a dedicated website will:

• allow ECTs in training and services to submit expressions of interest
• allow ECTs in training and services to connect with each other
• provide information and case studies detailing how exchanges could work.

The Department of Education will engage with universities to build support for the program.

From 2024–25 to 2026–27, participants undertaking an exchange in a rural or remote area can apply for a living and travel allowance of up to $1500.

ECTs in training and services can express their interest in joining the practicum exchange network now ahead of the July commencement. Postgraduate course participants are not eligible.