This program allows students to develop the skills and knowledge to begin working in the early childhood and education profession. It is also a pathway into teaching.

At the conclusion of the program students will be given the option to complete the remaining the remaining Certificate III units with Swinburne, with potential to earn and learn through traineeship options to complete the remaining units.

* This course is only offered to students who are currently enrolled in year 11 or 12. 

  • Year 1 & 2 Wantirna campus
  • Two years part-time
  • Wednesday 12:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Classroom delivery
  • Materials fees: Year 1: $200,  Year 2: $100. (Includes Swinburne top to be worn on placement in both Year 1 and Year 2 and text-books/ resources)                   

Units of competency

Unit code Unit name Nominal hours Compulsory/Elective
CHCECE056 Work effectively in children's education and care 65 Compulsory
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety 20 Compulsory
CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment 50 Compulsory
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting 22 Compulsory
HLTFSE001 Follow basic food and safety practices 30 Elective
  Total nominal hours 187  
Unit code Unit name Nominal hours Compulsory/Elective
CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice  80 Compulsory
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people 40 Elective
CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity 63 Compulsory
  Total nominal hours 183  

Outcomes

On successful completion of this program, students will:

VCE: refer to the VCAA VCE Community Services Program Booklet for information about VCE VET unit credits.

VCE VM: meets the requirement for the Industry Specific Skills strand and may also contribute to the Work-Related Skills Strand of VCE VM

Qualification: Be eligible for a Statement of Attainment listing the units achieved.

Complementary studies: These units of competency contribute towards the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121), as a partial completion. Upon completion of this qualification graduates may pathway to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) via a range of models at Swinburne. This is also a pathway to the Bachelor of Early Childhood and/or Primary Teaching.

Career opportunities include: Long Day Care, Family Day Care, Kindergartens and Out of School Hours Care

How to apply for VET Delivered to Secondary Students

Essentially, we’re in partnership with you and your school. You speak to your school and they coordinate your application with Swinburne. Seek out your school’s VET or careers coordinator for course recommendations and discuss your options. Then, when you’ve decided on a VDSS course that fits, your school will forward your application directly to us.

To be eligible for consideration for a VDSS program you must be currently enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12.

You’ll receive notification from your school about the outcome of your application. Successful? More information about enrolment will follow.

If there is greater demand than course places available, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. So, take note of our key application dates to allow time for your school-endorsed application to get to us.

Please refer to Swinburne's policies and regulations for student rights and responsibilities while on campus.

Course costs

The costs associated with Swinburne VDSS programs is invoiced directly to schools. For more information on course costs, it’s best to contact your school’s VET or careers coordinator.

2026 key dates

Applications
First round applications open Monday 18 August 2025
First round applications close

Friday 12 September 2025
Schools notified Monday 6 October 2025
Late applications open Monday 13 October 2025
Late applications close Friday 7 November 2025


Note: These dates are indicative only.

** Certificate II Electrotechnology will begin January 28th, 2026.

Enrolment and Orientation

Orientation for courses at Wantirna campus and Croydon campus is scheduled for Wednesday 26 November 2025.

When you’ve completed your enrolment and we’ve seen you on campus for orientation, you’ll attend Swinburne one day per week for training while continuing at your secondary school.

Courses commence Wednesday 4 February 2026.

Explore other VET courses Delivered to Secondary Students

Contact the VET Delivered to Secondary Students team

Have questions? If you would like more information about Swinburne's Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students, please email VETDSS@swinburne.edu.au

Email us