Provider Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Victorian Early Childhood Traineeship Program?

The Victorian Early Childhood Traineeship Program (VECTP) exists to address the workforce shortage in the Early Childhood Education industry. By providing the opportunity for trainees to gain vocational experience while studying towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, we can ensure that best practice is instilled in trainee educators from the beginning. The focus of the program is to match high calibre trainees with Early Childhood Education services who share values and fit team culture, leading to strong retention within the industry.

As an employer, why should I employ a trainee through the Victorian Early Childhood Traineeship Program?

Employing a trainee is a strategic investment, not just in your team, but in the future of early childhood education.

This Victorian Government-funded initiative is completely free for services to participate in, making it a cost-effective way to build a skilled and passionate workforce.

Chisholm will partner closely with you to understand your centre’s unique needs, then identify and recommend trainees who are well-matched to your service. You may also be eligible for government financial incentives to further support your decision.

Beyond recruitment, Chisholm provides ongoing mentoring and professional development for your existing staff, ensuring they’re equipped to support and grow alongside trainees.

Your service will also gain access to a statewide community of practice, where you can share insights, challenges, and best practices with other centres.

By welcoming a trainee into your team, you:

  • Support the development of a future educator
  • Gain an additional team member to assist with ratios while they learn
  • Ensure their learning aligns with your quality standards and philosophy
  • Contribute to strengthening sector capacity with job-ready professionals
  • Reinforce your service’s commitment to meaningful, long-term workforce development

Employing a trainee helps your centre grow while making a lasting impact across the sector.

What are my obligations as an employer?

You are required to:

  • Employ the trainee part-time or full-time (13–38 hours per week).
  • Provide paid withdrawal time (structured learning time during work hours).
  • Nominate a workplace mentor (e.g. Educational Leader).
  • Allow for teacher visits to complete assessments.
  • Support the trainee's evidence of ongoing progress.

What is withdrawal time and how much do I need to provide?

Withdrawal time is paid time during work hours for the trainee to engage in learning (not routine duties). How a service might structure this time is up to the employer. Withdrawal time is pro rata for part-time trainees. Withdrawal time might include:

  • Shadowing staff to learn new skills
  • Receiving mentorship
  • Professional development
  • Completing assessments or studying

Note: No reimbursement is provided for this time; it’s a built-in requirement of traineeship programs. For further detail, refer to point 10 regarding financial incentives.

When are the classes and are trainees required to attend?

Classes are delivered fortnightly, either on Fridays or a designated weeknight. While attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged as best practice.

Assessments are completed independently by the trainee, and progress must be demonstrated through at least one of the following:

  • Consistent class attendance
  • Submission of high-quality assessments
  • Active engagement with training resources

Some services choose to pay trainees to attend classes rather than allocating standard withdrawal time. This arrangement is at the discretion of the service but requires the trainee to attend classes consistently.

Do I need to pay trainees for class attendance?

Not unless you choose to count it as their withdrawal time. Under the traineeship agreement, you must provide paid withdrawal time instead.

What TAFEs do you partner with, and what are the delivery options?

We partner with TAFEs across Victoria, including Victoria University, Box Hill, Federation University, and Wodonga TAFE. Delivery varies by region:

  • Chisholm: Fortnightly Fridays (online or face-to-face), or Tuesday evenings
  • Victoria Uni: Fortnightly Fridays or Wednesday evenings (online)
  • Box Hill: Fortnightly Fridays, face-to-face
  • Regional areas: Chisholm online, Federation Uni or Wodonga TAFE

We will help match your trainee with the best-fit provider based on geography and needs.

What support does Chisholm provide to employers?

Chisholm offers end-to-end support to make hosting a trainee seamless and beneficial for your service. This includes:

  • Pre-screened trainee candidates: We carefully screen potential trainees to ensure they meet the eligibility and suitability criteria for your service. We then present shortlisted applicants so you can interview and onboard with confidence.
  • Dedicated Regional Coordinator: A single point of contact to guide you and your trainee throughout the traineeship.
  • Frequent check-ins: Regular communication to support both the service and the trainee, troubleshoot issues, and ensure progress.
  • Free resources and logbooks: To track the trainee’s learning and align with unit outcomes.
  • Optional PD for mentors: We can provide training for mentors in your team to help them support the trainee effectively.
  • Coordination of teacher visits and assessments: Our teaching staff will liaise with you to conduct on-site assessments and practical signoffs.

Is there a cost to my service or the trainee?

No. The traineeship is one of the only fully government-funded programs. The course, WWCC, resources, and ongoing support are provided at no cost to the service or trainee.

What financial incentives are available?

Eligible services can access the following:

  • Federal incentives: Up to $5,000 for full-time and $2,500 for part-time trainees via the Apprenticeship Network.
  • Free training and support services via the state-funded program.

Note: Incentive eligibility is determined by the Apprenticeship Network Provider (e.g., APM). Read more about financial support for employers.

How do I get started or hire a trainee?

Submit an Expression of Interest via our online form, and one of our Regional Coordinators will be in touch to support you through the next steps.

Once we receive your expression of interest, our team will:

  • Connect with you to understand the specific needs of your service and identify the most suitable pre-screened trainee candidates for interview.
  • Guide you through each stage of the onboarding and enrolment process.
  • Provide ongoing support to ensure your trainee is well-supported throughout their training journey.