METS trainers will inspire you as you begin your career in the world of Early Childhood Education and Care. Explore one of the most fulfilling career paths for those with a love of children, early education and a passion for childhood development.
This nationally-recognised course includes 15 core units and 2 electives. You will gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Certificate III level educator which may include, but are not limited to:
Enjoy potential options of flexible hours within your childcare career, where you will foster the holistic development of children aged 0-5.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 160 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
Students will be required to complete and pass a Working with Children Check/Police Clearance in the state or territory that they are working in prior to commencing child-related work (this includes work placement).
After completing this nationally recognized Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course, you can pursue a career as a:
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. Students must have computer literacy and literacy skills and be above the age of 16 to enrol. Students under the age of 18 will require a parent or guardians’ permission to enrol.
There are a wide variety of funding options available. From government funding through to fee-for-service. To find out what you are eligible for, click here.
Work placement requirements – 160 hours
It is required that you have a qualified person holding a relevant higher-level qualification to act
as your practical supervisor during the course.
Units within this qualification require students to complete work placement hours in a regulated early childhood education and care service within Australia. These hours may be completed as part of the student’s paid employment or as an unpaid practicum. Your METS Trainer will visit the workplace to assess students on the job and/or via video conferencing throughout the qualification.
Where you are employed in an education and care service that has the required ages/groups, these hours can be completed within your workplace. Where any required ages/groups (eg.0-2yrs) are not available at your service, these hours must be completed at another regulated education and care service.
Please Note: Learners are required to complete a minimum of 38 hours in the workplace where the learner will develop, practice and be assessed on their skills when working with two children between the ages of 0 – 1 and two children between the ages of 12 months – 23 months. ALL Learners will need to complete various tasks whilst working with babies and toddlers. If your centre is not licensed for 0 – 2- year-olds, the learner will need to complete a minimum of 2 weeks work placement at a centre for the following units.
Your Trainer and METS staff are available if you need any assistance with discussing concerns or arrangements with your chosen organisation or employer.
Enrol Anytime
12 Months Self Paced
Workplace Traineeships, Online Learning, Classroom Courses
To be eligible to commence a traineeship, a participant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident working full or part time (minimum 15 hours). The participant must have the support of their employer, an accredited RTO (like METS) and an Australian Apprenticeship Centre.
Check to see if you are eligible here:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/apprentices-and-trainees/low-cost-and-free-training-options/smart-and-skilled
Finding a traineeship is similar to finding any job. You’ll need to network with employers and job recruitment agencies and market yourself within your chosen sector.
If a participant is ineligible for a traineeship due to their employment status (casual, part-time working under 15 hours etc.), they can still complete the course through a Self-Paced course. Depending on their circumstances, learners may qualify for Smart and Skilled funding or choose to enrol through a Fee-for-Service payment arrangement.
For those ineligible for a traineeship due to residency status, completing the qualification may still be possible through a Fee-for-Service option, although Visa restrictions may apply. We recommend consulting your immigration officer and reaching out to us for guidance on your specific eligibility and options. For more information click here: Learn more about Smart and Skilled
Depending on the unit of study, you will complete both theory and practical based assessments to achieve competency in your qualification. Assessments may include short answer, project work, case students and reflection logs.
Yes. Under certain circumstances your traineeship can be extended, however this process can take some time and applying for an extension should be considered as a last resort. You should speak to us and/or your Australian Apprenticeship Centre if you are considering applying for an extension.
To determine if you are eligible to complete an RPL, you would need to complete our Eligibility Checklist form.
Please contact our administration team on 02 9838 3567 or email info@mets.edu.au requesting the form.
For more information, visit: https://mets.edu.au/ways-to-learn/recognition-of-prior-learning/