The Carroll Labor Government is boosting support for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) TAFE students, preparing them to educate our state’s youngest learners.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Minister for Skills and TAFE Gabrielle Williams has announced $4.8 million to support ECEC students at 14 TAFE Institutes across Victoria.

The funding will deliver additional supports for ECEC students while they undertake their Certificate III or Diploma course.

These initiatives are tailored to community needs and will strengthen partnerships with local ECEC services.

They’ll improve placement experiences and provide more support to students to set them up for success in their studies.

Initiatives will be delivered until the end of 2027.

These include peer mentor groups and academic, wellbeing and employability supports for students, additional placement liaison, and professional development for ECEC service staff.

They also include coaching, mentoring, professional development and scholarships.

Other opportunities include upskilling, more tertiary pathways available to school-leavers, career-changers and current early years professionals.

These supports are designed to strengthen course completions and workforce transition into the ECEC sector.

The Carroll Labor Government’s continued investment in skills and training will support growth for high demand careers.