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E&Education & Teaching · CHC50121

Become a Diploma-Qualified Early Childhood Educator

Earn while you learn with CHC50121, a 52-week traineeship that combines workplace training with 280 hours of hands-on placement.

Flexible
CHC50121National Code
52 WeeksCourse Duration
280 hrsWork Placement
On CampusDelivery
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What You Get

Everything That Comes With This Course

Workplace-Based Traineeship

Program is delivered in the workplace with approximately 6 hours of structured workplace training per month

Work Placement Included

280 hours of work placement completed with your employer over the course of the traineeship

Nationally Recognised Training

Leads to an Australian Qualification that complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or a Statement of Attainment

Support for Students with Disabilities

MCIE welcomes all people with disabilities, learning differences and medical conditions, with reasonable adjustments where applicable

Earn & Learn Recruitment Access

The provider has a large network of domestic marketing partners and international education agents/partners across multiple countries facilitating student enrolments.

Career & Employment Support

Melbourne City Institute of Education provides dedicated career services including job search assistance, resume writing, and interview preparation to help graduates find employment.

Student Wellbeing Support

Committed ongoing support to participants whilst training; post placement support available.

280 Hours Of Work Placement

280 hours work placement completed with employer over the course of the traineeship

Funding May Apply

You may be eligible under Victorian and Commonwealth government funding. Your eligibility is confirmed when you enquire.

Child Care Centre Manager roles projected to grow 21.8%
Where This Can Take You

The Roles This Qualification Opens

Roles this nationally recognised qualification can lead to. Market figures come from public Australia data (Jobs and Skills Australia).

252k+Employed across these occupations (AU)
4.5–12.1%Projected 10-year job growth (JSA)
$55,700Median income in the first year after training (NCVER, 2025)
In national shortage
Educational Leader
79,800 employed · +12.1% growth over 10 years
In shortage in some regions
Group, Team or Room Leader · Early Childhood Educator
172,400 employed · +4.5% growth over 10 years
Child Care Centre ManagerAuthorised SupervisorChild Development WorkerChildren's AdviserChildren's Services CoordinatorChildren's Services Director

Market figures are indicative, from Jobs and Skills Australia projections, shortage ratings and vacancy data. No specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed.

What You'll Learn

The 15 Units Behind The Qualification

Every unit is nationally recognised and sits on your transcript individually, which matters for credit and recognition later.

15Total Units
12Core Units
3Electives
280Placement Hours

Core Units

CHCECE042Foster holistic early childhood learning, development and wellbeing
CHCECE048Plan and implement children's education and care curriculum
CHCECE047Analyse information to inform children's learning
CHCECE043Nurture creativity in children
CHCECE041Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
CHCECE049Embed environmental responsibility in service operations
CHCPRP003Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCECE045Foster positive and respectful interactions and behaviour in children

 

CHCECE046Implement strategies for the inclusion of all children
CHCECE050Work in Partnership with children's families
CHCECE044Facilitate compliance in a children's education and care service
BSBWK502Manage team effectiveness

Elective Units

CHCPOL002Develop and implement policy
CHCMGT003Lead the work team
BSBSTR501Establish innovative work environments
Before You Enquire

Eligibility And The First Steps

Before You Apply

18 or over at enrolment
Australian citizen or permanent resident
Meet language, literacy and numeracy standards for this level
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Must complete a Pre-Training Review
Unique Student Identification (USI) number required

How It Starts

01
Complete a Pre-Training Review
02
Meet Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skill standards
03
Obtain a Unique Student Identification (USI) number
04
Provide evidence of prerequisite qualification
05
Enquire or apply online
The Money Part

Ways To Pay For It

Pay Upfront

Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Government Funded Traineeship – Regional VIC

Subsidised fee for eligible students. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Government Funded Traineeship – Melbourne Metropolitan

Subsidised fee for eligible students. Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Tuition fee $7,500. Textbooks $110. MCIE T-shirt $40. Enrolment fees include additional resources and student ID charges.

Exact fees, plans and any funding eligibility are confirmed by the provider when you enquire. No payment is made through Get Course.

Before You Ask

Questions People Ask First

What are the entry requirements for this traineeship?

This is a workplace-based traineeship, so students need to be employed in a suitable childcare setting. Specific entry requirements may vary. Submit an enquiry to confirm current eligibility criteria before enrolling.

How much does this course cost?

Pricing for this traineeship can vary depending on your employment status, location, and eligibility for government funding. Submit an enquiry to get up-to-date pricing details for your situation.

How long does the course take to complete?

The traineeship runs for 52 weeks. Structured workplace training is delivered at approximately 6 hours per month alongside your normal employment.

How is the course delivered?

This course is delivered face-to-face in the workplace by Melbourne City Institute of Education. It is not available fully online or as a self-paced program. Training sessions take place at your workplace throughout the traineeship.

What does the work placement involve?

The traineeship includes 280 hours of work placement completed with your employer over the course of the 52 weeks. Because this is a workplace-based program, placement is integrated into your existing job role.

What career roles can this qualification lead to?

Graduates may move into roles such as Child Care Centre Manager, Educational Leader, Room Leader, Children's Services Coordinator, or Early Childhood Educator. The Child Care Centre Manager occupation has a projected growth rate of 21.8% according to the National Skills Commission. These are indicative opportunities, outcomes depend on individual circumstances.

About This Course

What This Course Is Really About

This Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a workplace-based traineeship delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education. Students train on the job, with around 6 hours of structured workplace training each month over 52 weeks.

The course suits people already working in a childcare setting who want to formalise their skills and step into leadership roles. It covers child development, educational programming, compliance, and the day-to-day running of early childhood services.

280 hours of work placement are completed with your employer as part of the traineeship. This is a nationally recognised qualification (CHC50121) that complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

The College Behind It

Delivered By A Registered Training Organisation

MC
Melbourne City Institute of Education
RTO 22172
In-house career services: job search, resume and interview preparation
Earn & Learn, the college's own recruitment service
Committed ongoing support to participants whilst training; post placement support available.
Nationally Recognised TrainingITECALes Toques BlanchesAustralian Culinary FederationCPA Australia
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The Enquiry Is The Eligibility Check

You don't need to have decided to get the answers. One short form, and the provider comes back with your fees, funding eligibility and a realistic study plan.

Enquire Now →
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Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on 28 July 2026. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.