If you’ve been thinking about a career in Early Childhood Education and Care, you’ve probably heard about traineeships. And for good reason. A Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship is one of the smartest ways to enter the early childhood education sector because you get paid to work while you study for a nationally recognised qualification.
- No student debt.
- No choosing between earning money and gaining qualifications.
- You do both at the same time.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships in Australia in 2026, including how much you’ll earn, what you’ll learn, how to find opportunities, and what the process looks like. Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer, or someone who’s been considering this path for a while, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.
What is an Early Childhood Education and Care Traineeship?
A Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship is a structured training pathway that combines paid work in a childcare centre with formal study towards your CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. It’s an official Australian Traineeship, which means it’s a government-recognised training arrangement between you, an employer, and a registered training organisation like KKTC.
Here’s what makes a traineeship different from studying a Early Childhood Education and Care qualification on your own:
You’re an employee, not just a student. From day one, you’re working in a real Early Childhood Education and Care centre with an employment contract, earning a wage, and gaining hands-on experience with children.
You learn while you earn. Instead of paying course fees upfront and then looking for work afterwards, you’re being paid while you study. The qualification is typically funded through government programs, meaning minimal or no cost to you.
Most of your learning happens on the job. Traineeships follow an 80/20 model in most cases. That means roughly 80% of your time is spent working in the Early Childhood Education and Care centre, applying what you learn in real-world situations. The other 20% is dedicated to formal training, which might be one day per week, block release, or online study depending on your RTO and employer.
It typically takes 12 to 24 months. The duration depends on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, your prior experience, and how quickly you complete your competencies. Most full-time traineeships are completed in 18 months.
A traineeship is different from an apprenticeship, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Apprenticeships are generally used for trades and take longer (usually three to four years). Traineeships are shorter and typically apply to non-trade industries like Early Childhood Education and Care, business, and retail.
The beauty of a Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship is that you’re not waiting until you finish studying to start your career. Your career begins the moment you start your traineeship.
Traineeship Pay Rates 2026
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much will I earn as a Early Childhood Education and Care trainee?”
The answer depends on how far through your traineeship you are. Trainee wages are set by the National Training Wage, which is part of the Miscellaneous Award. Your pay increases as you progress through your training.
Here’s how the pay structure typically works for a full-time Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship in 2026:
| Training Stage | Year of Traineeship | Approximate Hourly Rate* | Approximate Annual Salary* |
| School-based trainee (if applicable) | Year 11-12 | Varies by state | Part-time |
| Year 1 | First 12 months | $19.50 – $21.50 | $40,500 – $44,700 |
| Year 2 | After 12 months | $22.00 – $24.00 | $45,800 – $49,900 |
*Rates are approximate and based on the National Training Wage schedule as of 2026. Actual rates may vary slightly by state and employer. Annual salary calculations assume full-time hours (38 hours/week).
These rates apply to traineeships covered by modern awards. Some employers, particularly those in premium Early Childhood Education and Care centres or those offering enterprise agreements, may pay above award rates.
What else comes with your wage?
Beyond your base hourly rate, you’re entitled to the same employment conditions as other employees:
- Superannuation contributions (currently 12% in 2026)
- Paid annual leave
- Paid personal/sick leave
- Public holiday entitlements
- Penalty rates if you work weekends or outside standard hours
How does traineeship pay compare?
Yes, trainee wages are lower than a fully qualified educator’s wage (which typically starts around $28-32 per hour). But consider what you’re getting:
- A wage while you study, not student debt
- A nationally recognised qualification at the end
- 12-24 months of paid work experience
- A direct pathway into qualified employment
- The ability to support yourself financially while training
Most graduates who complete their traineeship move straight into a qualified educator role with their employer, resulting in an immediate pay increase. You’re investing 12-24 months at a training wage to access a lifelong career with strong earning potential.
For a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to earn after qualification, see our Early Childhood Education and Care Worker Salary Guide.
Entry Requirements
One of the best things about Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships is how accessible they are. The barriers to entry are refreshingly low compared to many other career paths.
Age requirements
You need to be at least 15 years old to start a traineeship in most states (though most Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships start at 17-18 due to working with children requirements). There is no upper age limit. We regularly see trainees in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. Your age doesn’t matter. Your commitment and passion for working with children does.
Education prerequisites
There are no formal education requirements for a Certificate III qualification. You don’t need an ATAR. You don’t need to have completed Year 12. While having completed Year 10 or equivalent is helpful, it’s not a strict requirement.
What matters more is your ability to:
- Communicate effectively in English (both written and spoken)
- Complete basic numeracy tasks
- Use technology for online learning and documentation
- Work as part of a team
If English is your second language or you’re concerned about literacy and numeracy, most RTOs including KKTC offer language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) support to help you succeed.
Working with Children Check
This is non-negotiable. Anyone working in Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia must hold a valid Working with Children Check (or equivalent, depending on your state). This is a background screening to ensure the safety of children.
The good news is that obtaining one is straightforward:
- Apply through your state or territory’s screening unit
- Pay a small fee (often waived for volunteers or students)
- Wait for processing (typically 2-4 weeks)
- Receive a clearance valid for five years in most states
You can start your application before you have a job offer. In fact, we recommend it. Having your clearance ready shows employers you’re serious and prepared. For a complete guide to obtaining your Working with Children Check, including state-by-state links and application tips, see our Working With Children Check guide.
First aid requirements
Most Early Childhood Education and Care employers require you to hold current first aid, CPR, asthma, and anaphylaxis qualifications before you begin work. Some will arrange this training for you as part of your induction. Others will expect you to have it beforehand.
These qualifications include:
- HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (or equivalent)
- CPR certification (HLTAID009)
- Asthma and anaphylaxis management training
These courses typically take one day to complete and cost between $100-200 if you’re paying yourself. KKTC offers first aid training as part of our course offerings. Learn more in our HLTAID012 First Aid guide.
Prior experience
Here’s the best part: you don’t need any prior experience in Early Childhood Education and Care to start a traineeship. None. That’s the whole point of a traineeship. It’s an entry-level pathway designed for people new to the sector.
What employers are looking for instead:
- Genuine interest in working with children
- Willingness to learn
- Reliability and punctuality
- Good communication skills
- A team player attitude
If you’ve done any volunteering, babysitting, worked with children in any capacity, or even spent time caring for younger siblings or relatives, that’s valuable to mention. But it’s not required.
How to Find Early Childhood Education and Care Traineeships
Finding a Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship involves a bit of initiative, but the opportunities are out there. The sector has strong demand for new educators, which works in your favour.
Here are the most effective strategies:
1. Approach Early Childhood Education and Care centres directly
This is often the most successful approach. Many Early Childhood Education and Care centres are willing to take on trainees but don’t always advertise positions publicly. They’re waiting for someone motivated to walk through the door.
Start by:
- Making a list of Early Childhood Education and Care centres in your area
- Visiting their websites to understand their philosophy and approach
- Calling or visiting in person to ask if they have traineeship opportunities
- Preparing a brief resume and cover letter expressing your interest
- Following up if you don’t hear back within a week
When you make contact, be professional but genuine. You might say something like: “I’m interested in starting a career in early childhood education and I’m looking for a traineeship opportunity. Is this something your centre offers, or would you consider taking on a trainee?”
Many centres are more impressed by someone who shows initiative than someone with a polished application.
2. Use the Australian Apprenticeships Support Network
The Australian Apprenticeships Support Network has providers across Australia who help match trainees with employers. They’re a free service funded by the government.
Visit Australian Apprenticeships to find your local provider. They can:
- Help you search for available traineeships
- Connect you with employers looking for trainees
- Assist with the paperwork and registration process
- Explain available incentives and support
- Provide ongoing support during your traineeship
3. Connect with an RTO’s employer network
Many RTOs, including KKTC, have established relationships with Early Childhood Education and Care centres that regularly take on trainees. When you express interest in studying with an RTO, ask if they can connect you with employers in their network.
At KKTC, we work with Early Childhood Education and Care centres across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and other states. We often know which centres are actively looking for trainees and can facilitate introductions. This can save you significant time and effort in your search.
4. Check online job boards
While not all traineeships are advertised, some are. Worth checking:
- Seek.com.au (filter by “traineeship” or “apprenticeship”)
- Indeed.com.au
- Ethical Jobs (many Early Childhood Education and Care centres advertise here)
- State-specific training and employment websites
5. Consider regional and remote opportunities
If you’re open to relocating, regional and remote areas often have strong demand for Early Childhood Education and Care workers and may offer additional incentives for trainees. Some areas offer:
- Relocation assistance
- Accommodation support
- Higher wages
- Smaller class sizes and tighter-knit communities
Regional traineeships can be an excellent way to gain experience quickly while enjoying a different lifestyle.
Tips for standing out as a candidate:
- Show genuine enthusiasm for working with children
- Be reliable. Turn up on time for interviews and follow through on commitments
- Ask thoughtful questions about the centre’s approach and culture
- Be honest about what you don’t know. Employers expect that in a trainee
- Highlight any experience with children, even informal
- Demonstrate that you understand what the role involves (visit a centre, do your research)
- Be open to feedback and learning
Traineeships by State
Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships are available across Australia, but the specific funding, incentives, and application processes vary by state. Here’s what you need to know depending on where you live.
Queensland
Queensland has strong government support for traineeships through the User Choice program, which provides public funding for apprentices and trainees undertaking qualifications on the Priority Skills List (which includes Early Childhood Education and Care).
What this means for you:
- Your training costs are typically fully funded if you’re eligible
- Employers may access incentive payments for taking on trainees
- You can study with any RTO that holds a State Government funded contract for offering subsidised or fee free traineeships (KKTC is such a provider)
KKTC has particularly strong connections to Early Childhood Education and Care employers across SE QLD and many regional areas.
New South Wales
NSW offers subsidised training through the Smart and Skilled program. Early childhood education qualifications are fee-free for eligible students under the Fee-Free Apprenticeships initiative.
What this means for you:
- Training is fee-free if you’re undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Employers can access wage subsidies and other incentives
- You need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or meet other eligibility criteria
NSW also has specific support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees and additional incentives for people in regional areas.
Victoria
Victoria’s Skills First program provides subsidised training for priority qualifications, including Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
What this means for you:
- Free or low-cost training if you’re eligible
- Employers can access wage subsidies (up to $8,500 in some cases)
- Additional support for young people, women returning to work, and retrenched workers
Victoria has particularly strong demand for early childhood educators due to recent government initiatives around kindergarten expansion.
South Australia
South Australia offers subsidised training through the South Australian Government Subsidised Training List. Early childhood qualifications are priority areas.
What this means for you:
- Reduced training costs for eligible students
- Employer incentives available
- Support for trainees in regional South Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia provides subsidised training through the Jobs and Skills WA funding. Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is on the Priority Industry List.
What this means for you:
- Reduced or free training costs for eligible students
- Employer incentives to take on trainees
- Strong demand in regional WA, particularly in mining communities
Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, and Tasmania
These jurisdictions also offer subsidised training and employer incentives for Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships. Contact your local Australian Apprenticeships Support Network provider for specific details about programs in your area.
The key takeaway is this: regardless of where you live in Australia, government funding and support programs exist to make Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships accessible and affordable. The specific program names and eligibility requirements differ, but the outcome is the same. You can access quality training at minimal cost while earning a wage.
What You’ll Learn
When you complete a Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship, you’ll graduate with a CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This is a nationally recognised qualification that meets the requirements to work as an early childhood educator in Australia.
But what does that actually mean in practice? What will you learn during your traineeship?
Qualification overview
The Certificate III is structured around units of competency. Each unit covers a specific skill or area of knowledge that you need to work effectively with children. The qualification includes:
- 15 core units (everyone must complete these)
- 2 elective units (chosen based on your interests and workplace needs)
You’ll be assessed on your ability to demonstrate each competency in a real workplace setting. This is why the traineeship model works so well. You’re not just learning theory in a classroom. You’re applying it with real children in a real centre every day.
Core competencies you’ll develop
Here are some of the key areas you’ll master:
Child development and learning
You’ll learn how children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively from birth through to five years. You’ll understand developmental milestones and how to create learning experiences that support children at different stages.
Health, safety, and wellbeing
You’ll become confident in maintaining safe environments, implementing hygiene practices, recognising signs of illness or distress, and responding to emergencies. This includes first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis management, and infection control.
Curriculum planning and implementation
You’ll learn to plan and deliver educational programs based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and state-specific frameworks. You’ll create experiences that support children’s learning across all developmental domains.
Building relationships
You’ll develop skills in communicating effectively with children, families, and colleagues. You’ll learn how to build trust, respect cultural diversity, and work collaboratively in a team.
Behaviour guidance
You’ll learn positive behaviour support strategies, how to set appropriate boundaries, and how to help children develop self-regulation and social skills.
Documentation and compliance
You’ll become familiar with the National Quality Framework, the Education and Care Services National Regulations, and how to maintain accurate records and observations of children’s learning and development.
Supporting inclusion and diversity
You’ll learn to create inclusive environments that welcome and support all children and families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and children with additional needs.
Practical skills you’ll gain
Beyond the formal competencies, you’ll develop practical skills that make you effective in a Early Childhood Education and Care setting:
- Setting up learning environments that are engaging and safe
- Reading stories with expression and engagement
- Leading group times, songs, and transitions
- Changing nappies and supporting toileting
- Preparing and serving healthy meals and snacks
- Supervising outdoor play and managing risks
- Communicating with families at drop-off and pick-up
- Responding to conflicts between children
- Supporting children who are upset or distressed
- Working as part of an educational team
How assessment works
Assessment in a traineeship is competency-based and primarily happens in your workplace. Your assessor (usually a trainer from your RTO) will observe you working with children and review evidence you’ve collected to confirm you can perform each competency to the required standard.
Assessment methods include:
- Workplace observations
- Written tasks and reflections
- Third-party reports from your supervisor
- Portfolios of children’s learning documentation
- Questioning and professional discussions
There are no exams in the traditional sense. You’re assessed on what you can actually do in practice, not what you can memorise for a test.
You’ll be supported throughout by both your workplace supervisor and your RTO trainer. At KKTC, we assign each trainee a dedicated trainer who visits you regularly in your workplace, provides feedback, and ensures you have the support you need to succeed.
Day in the Life of a Early Childhood Education and Care Trainee
What does a typical week actually look like when you’re doing a Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship? Here’s what you can expect.
Weekly structure
Most full-time traineeships follow a pattern like this:
- Five days per week working in your Early Childhood Education and Care centre
- Training time weekly (depends on the State but can be up to 3hrs paid per week to train off the floor)
- The RTO Trainer and Assessor will visit the centre for practical assessment regularly. At KKTC Education we visit every 3-4 weeks to assess, mentor and sign off the practical elements in the unit you are undertaking. We will also provide additional mentoring and support in between visits.
Part-time traineeships spread this across fewer days, typically three days of work and study completed in your own time or on weekends.
A typical workday in the centre
Let’s walk through what an average day might look like as a trainee in a long daycare centre:
7:30am – You arrive at the centre, sign in, and check the daily planner. You’re working in the toddler room today (18 months to 3 years). You help set up the indoor and outdoor environments before children arrive.
8:00am – Children start arriving. You greet families, help children settle, and support the morning routine. Some children need help putting their belongings in their lockers. Others want to show you something from home. You’re building those important relationships.
9:00am – Morning tea time. You help children wash hands, sit at the table, and serve healthy snacks. You’re supervising to ensure safety and encouraging independence. “Can you open your own yoghurt lid, Emma?”
9:30am – Outdoor play. You’re supervising the sandpit while also observing children’s play. You notice two children working together to build a castle and make a mental note to document this for their learning journals later. You help resolve a conflict over a toy truck using positive language.
10:30am – Back inside for a group activity. Today’s theme is autumn, and you’re leading a craft activity involving leaves and collage. You’ve prepared the materials earlier. You ask open-ended questions to extend children’s thinking and language.
11:30am – Lunch preparation. You help set tables, serve meals, and sit with children to model healthy eating and social interaction. You’re chatting about their morning and learning about their interests.
12:30pm – Rest time. You help children settle on their beds with their comfort items. You read stories quietly to those who need help settling. Once children are asleep, you have a chance to complete some documentation on your laptop or tablet.
1:30pm – While children are still resting, you attend your weekly room meeting with the other educators. You discuss individual children’s progress, plan next week’s program, and raise any concerns. Your supervisor asks how you’re progressing with your current assessment task.
2:30pm – Children start waking. You support them with toileting and handwashing. Afternoon tea is served. You notice one child seems unusually quiet and makes a note to mention it to their parent at pickup.
3:00pm – Afternoon play. Children are engaging in various activities. You’re facilitating dramatic play in the home corner, asking questions and following the children’s lead. You take some photos of children’s play to use in documentation.
4:00pm – Families start arriving for pickup. You share highlights from each child’s day with their parents. “Riley was so engaged in the leaf collage this morning. She was identifying colours and talking about the different shapes she could see.”
5:00pm – Most children have been picked up. You help pack away, clean surfaces, and prepare the room for tomorrow. You update your supervisor on the quiet child from earlier.
5:30pm – Your shift ends. You head home, feeling tired but satisfied with your day.
Study day
Your study day might include:
- Attending training sessions (online or in-person) with your RTO
- Working on assessment tasks
- Researching child development topics
- Completing online modules
- Having one-on-one sessions with your trainer to discuss your progress
At KKTC, we design study days to be practical and directly relevant to what you’re experiencing in your placement. Everything connects back to your work with children.
Balance of work and study
The workload is manageable but requires commitment. You’re balancing the demands of a job (showing up on time, being reliable, working as part of a team) with the requirements of study (completing assessments, attending training, reflective practice).
Most trainees find the rhythm within the first month. The key is staying organised, communicating with both your employer and RTO when you’re struggling, and using your workplace experiences as learning opportunities.
Support you’ll receive
You won’t be doing this alone. You’ll have support from multiple people:
- Your workplace supervisor or room leader who guides you daily
- The centre director who oversees your employment
- Your RTO trainer who assesses your work and provides feedback
- Other educators in your centre who mentor and support you
- Your fellow trainees (many RTOs facilitate peer support groups)
At KKTC, we’re committed to trainee success. If you’re struggling with an assessment, finding it hard to manage the workload, or encountering challenges in your workplace, we want to know. We’re here to help you succeed, not to watch you struggle.
How to Apply for a Traineeship with KKTC
If you’re ready to start your Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship journey with KKTC, here’s exactly what the process looks like.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic requirements:
- You’re at least 17 years old (for most Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships)
- You have the right to work in Australia
- You’re able to obtain a Working with Children Check
- You’re willing to commit to 12-24 months of combined work and study
Step 2: Get in touch
Contact KKTC to express your interest. You can:
- Fill out the enquiry form on our website at https://kktc.com.au/contact-us/
- Check your eligibility with our eligibility checker at https://kktc.com.au/check-your-eligibility/
- Give us a call at 1300 048 133 — our team is happy to chat through your options
When you get in touch, let us know:
- Where you’re located
- Whether you have a Early Childhood Education and Care employer already or need help finding one
- When you’re hoping to start
- Any questions or concerns you have
We’ll arrange a time to chat (phone or in person) to discuss your situation and answer your questions.
Step 3: Prepare your application
If you decide to proceed, you’ll need to prepare:
A resume that includes:
- Your contact details
- Education history
- Any work experience (including volunteer work, babysitting, anything involving children)
- Any relevant skills or interests
A brief cover letter explaining:
- Why you’re interested in Early Childhood Education and Care
- What you hope to achieve through a traineeship
- Why you’ve chosen KKTC as your training provider
Don’t stress if you don’t have much work experience. We’re looking for potential, not perfection. Be honest and genuine in your application.
Step 4: Interview
We’ll invite you to an interview (in person or video call). This is a two-way conversation. We want to get to know you, and you should use this time to ask questions and make sure KKTC is the right fit for you.
We’ll ask about:
- Your interest in working with children
- Your understanding of what the role involves
- Your availability and commitment
- Your learning style and any support needs
- Your career goals
Come prepared to ask questions about:
- How KKTC supports trainees
- What the training schedule looks like
- How assessments work
- Employer connections we can help with
- What happens after you complete your qualification
Step 5: Finding an employer (if needed)
If you don’t already have a Early Childhood Education and Care employer, we’ll help you navigate this process. KKTC works with Early Childhood Education and Care centres across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and beyond.
We can:
- Connect you with centres in our network that are looking for trainees
- Provide advice on approaching centres independently
- Help you prepare for employer interviews
- Support you through the negotiation process
Some trainees come to us with an employer already arranged. Others need our help to find the right fit. Both pathways are completely normal.
Step 6: Enrolment and paperwork
Once you have a confirmed employer, we’ll complete the formal enrolment process. This includes:
- Signing a training contract (between you, the employer, and KKTC)
- Completing your student enrolment forms
- Providing evidence of your identity and qualifications
- Applying for government funding (we help with this)
- Setting up your student portal access
There’s a bit of paperwork involved, but we guide you through every step.
Step 7: Induction and start
Before you begin, we’ll provide a full induction covering:
- How your traineeship is structured
- What’s expected of you as a student
- How to access support
- Understanding your rights and responsibilities
- Meeting your trainer
Then you’re ready to start. You’ll begin working in your centre and commence your formal training with KKTC.
KKTC support services
Throughout your traineeship, you’ll have access to:
- Regular workplace visits from your dedicated trainer
- Phone and email support whenever you need it
- Access to learning resources and materials
- Literacy and numeracy support if needed
- Wellbeing support and referrals
- Career guidance and job placement assistance
- Peer support through trainee networks
We’re invested in your success. Our trainers don’t just assess you and disappear. We build relationships with our trainees and we’re here to support you through challenges.
Our employer network
KKTC has built strong relationships with quality Early Childhood Education and Care centres who value well-trained educators. These centres understand the traineeship model and are committed to supporting trainees to succeed.
When we connect you with a centre in our network, you can trust that they:
- Provide proper supervision and mentoring
- Understand their responsibilities as a host employer
- Have qualified educators on staff to support your learning
- Are committed to the National Quality Framework
- Value their staff and create positive workplace cultures
Starting a traineeship is a big decision. We want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships?
No upper age limit exists for traineeships. You need to be at least 15 years old (17-18 for most Early Childhood Education and Care traineeships), but there’s no maximum age. We regularly train people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Your passion for working with children matters far more than your age. Career changers bring valuable life experience and maturity to the role.
Do I get paid while I’m studying?
Yes. That’s the whole point of a traineeship. You’re employed by the Early Childhood Education and Care centre from day one and receive a wage for all the hours you work. Your training is typically funded through government programs, meaning you’re not paying course fees. You’re earning money while gaining your qualification, not accumulating student debt.
How long does a Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship take?
Most full-time traineeships are completed in 12 to 24 months, with 18 months being the most common. Part-time traineeships take longer, usually 24 to 36 months. The exact duration depends on your study load, how quickly you complete your competencies, and whether you receive any recognition of prior learning.
Can I do a traineeship part-time?
Yes, part-time traineeships are available. You might work and study three days per week instead of five. This option suits people with other commitments such as caring responsibilities or another job. Keep in mind that part-time traineeships take longer to complete, but the same qualification and career outcomes await you at the end.
What happens after I finish my traineeship?
Most trainees transition into a qualified educator role with their employer immediately after completing their Certificate III. Your wages increase to reflect your qualification (typically from around $21/hour to $28-32/hour or higher). Many trainees then choose to continue their study towards a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree to further their career. Others are happy to remain in educator roles. The pathway is yours to choose.
What if I don’t have any experience with children?
That’s completely fine. Traineeships are designed for people entering the sector for the first time. You don’t need prior Early Childhood Education and Care experience. What you do need is a genuine interest in working with children, a willingness to learn, and commitment to the training. Your traineeship is where you gain that experience in a supported environment.
Ready to Start Your Early Childhood Education and Care Career?
A Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship offers something rare: the chance to earn a wage while gaining a nationally recognised qualification in a rewarding, meaningful career. You don’t need prior experience. You don’t need to choose between work and study. You start building your career from day one.
If you’re ready to take the first step, KKTC is here to support you. We’ve helped hundreds of trainees just like you launch successful careers in early childhood education. Our trainers are experienced, our employer network is strong, and our commitment to your success is genuine.
Apply for a traineeship today. Earn while you learn with KKTC.
Visit kktc.com.au to begin your journey.