Growing the Victorian early childhood workforce through Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships

The first quarter of the year has seen Victoria once again position itself as ‘The Education State’ with the introduction of more education pathways into the early childhood workforce through the commencement of the Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships (ECTP) program. 

“Early childhood education is incredibly important,” Swinburne Chair of Education, Professor Sivanes Phillipson said. 

“This investment by the Victorian Department of Education will give the next generation of early childhood teachers the skills they need to help young children to develop, grow and thrive.”

Building on the success of the Innovative Initial Teacher Education (IITE) program, the ECTP program has seen the Department partner with tertiary education providers to deliver collaborative, innovative and inclusive programs for prospective early childhood educators and teachers. 

For the first time, tailored courses with extra support are now available for students at all stages of their career from Certificate III level up to the Graduate Certificate. Educators studying at a TAFE may also be able to access Free TAFE at the same time. 

At the heart of ECTP is a plan to increase the supply of early childhood teachers and educators through high quality pre-service training. The program is also supporting geographical areas of high need and providing cohorts of potential students – including Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds – with opportunities to thrive in a sector where their skills and talents are in high demand.  

Each program is different but key elements include: 

• intensive monitoring by a learning mentor 
• professional support for mentors and services
• qualified, bilingual and experienced staff to train and assist CALD students
• culturally responsive supports and networks. 
• placement supports
• supported transition into employment opportunities.

Tertiary education providers who take part in the ECTP program receive funding from the Department to run the program, which can be delivered face to face, online or in a hybrid model with full time and part time study options available. 

Applications for the first intakes of ECTP programs are now open. Eligible students may also be able to access a scholarship through the Early Childhood Scholarships Program or Aboriginal Pathways Scholarship Program.

To learn more about the ECTP, please see here. 

To apply for a scholarship, click here.