Duration
2 Years1/2 Day/Week
Location
Geelong CityPlacement
MandatoryScored
No
Entry requirements
- Attending a secondary school.
- Applicants are required to be aged 16 years and over.
- Successful completion of Year 10 with the equivalent literacy and numeracy levels.
- Each applicant must submit an expression of interest through their secondary school for course selections, answering specific questions regarding their desired educational and career aspirations relevant to the course.
- Review the personal learning requirements essential to this course and discuss with your school VET Coordinator before you apply.
You will learn
- Develop foundational skills to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing in early childhood settings
- Gain practical, hands-on experience and an understanding of the early childhood education and care sector
- Learn how to create safe, inclusive, and engaging environments for children
- Build knowledge of career pathways in education, early childhood, and community services
- Strengthen workplace and employability skills through applied learning with support from experienced teachers and industry-focused resources
Course outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, you will receive:
- Recognition of up to two VCE VET units at Units 1 and 2 level, and a VCE VET Units 3 and 4 sequence
- ATAR contribution: Students who successfully complete a VCE VET Units 3 and 4 sequences may be eligible for an increment towards their ATAR
- A Statement of Attainment for the partial completion of Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Industry experience through a minimum of 80 hours of structured workplace placement in a regulated Early Childhood Education and Care service
Course materials
- Laptop
- Internet Access
- Pens, highlighters, pencils.
- Notebook
Assessment is based on
- Questioning
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Portfolio (work samples)
- Product (reports, projects, role plays etc.)
Further study options
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care*
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Bachelor of Education (Early Years)
* to complete the remaining units to gain the full qualification
- = Guaranteed Gordon pathway course
Applications and attendance
How to apply
You must first speak to your school about VETDSS before proceeding with the below application.
- Watch our how to apply video.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants
To become an apprentice or trainee, you will first need to find an employer willing to employ you. An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider can assist you with this.
If you would like more information about hiring an apprentice or trainee, you can find all the information here.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 VET Full Year Geelong City Campus |
Open: 6 Aug 2026 Close: 15 Mar 2027 |
Class Day | Part Time | Delivered Geelong City Campus | Apply |
Unfortunately we cannot always guarantee you will secure a place in your selected course. We recommend you apply early.
Work placement/Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)
When placement arrangements have been confirmed, the student must provide their teacher with the details of their placement. A Gordon Assessor will visit the student and assess them in the workplace. There may be instances where students arrange SWL in a regulated children’s education and care service provider outside of the outlined structure. It is important to understand that any SWL undertaken before the conditions below are confirmed and approved by The Gordon teacher will not count toward fulfilling the mandatory work placement requirements for assessment purposes.
Duration & Structure | 120 hours of practical placement over 2 years is required as part of this program. |
Location | Placement must be completed in a regulated Australian Early Childhood Education and Care service. |
Organised by | The Gordon works with students, schools and approved host organisations to coordinate placement opportunities. |
Additional requirements | Complete relevant theory and assessment requirements before placement. • Demonstrate workplace readiness and professional behaviour. • Meet any required medical clearance or disclosure requirements. • Disclose any medical or personal circumstances that may affect placement participation. • Comply with workplace, legislative and regulatory requirements. • Read and follow the Placement Handbook provided by The Gordon. |
Additional Information | A Placement Handbook is provided outlining placement expectations, assessment requirements and workplace responsibilities. |
Units
| Year 1 Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Participate in workplace health and safety | HLTWHS001 | 20 |
| Provide First Aid in an education and care setting | HLTAID012 | 22 |
| Support inclusion and diversity | CHCECE030 | 63 |
| Use an approved learning framework to guide practice | CHCECE034 | 80 |
| Year 2 Core Units | Code | Hours |
| Observe children to inform practice | CHCECE038 | 40 |
| Support children to connect with the natural environment | CHCECE037 | 50 |
| Work effectively in children's education and care | CHCECE056 | 65 |
| Year 2 Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Work with diverse people | CHCDIV001 | 40 |
Please note that the electives listed are those delivered by the Gordon but you may not be required to complete all of these to successfully complete this qualification. In order to clarify what is required to complete this qualification, please check https://training.gov.au/Home/Tga