Early Childhood Work-Based Traineeships

Combine study and paid on-the-job experience with a St Nicholas work-based traineeship

About our work-based traineeships

Trainee Early Childhood Educators employed by St Nicholas undertake either a Certificate III (CHC30113) or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care while participating in paid full‑time employment.

Apply now

Certificate III Work-Based Traineeship

Responsibilities and selection criteria
Benefits
Career and study pathways

Responsibilities of a St Nicholas Certificate III work-based trainee include:

Assisting children with experiences and self-care requirements within the daily routine
Following hygiene and safety procedures and using initiative to address areas needing attention
Following the guidance and directions of your mentor/room leader to contribute to the planning and documentation of children’s learning
Working as part of a team to ensure the positive implementation of policies and associated procedures.

St Nicholas work-based trainee helping a child fasten their bike helmet at one of our early childhood centres

Selection criteria for a St Nicholas Certificate III work-based trainee includes:

Passion for early education – Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for working with young children, showing a genuine desire to pursue a career in early education.

Effective communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and interact with children, colleagues, and parents in a professional and respectful manner.

Team player – Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, contributing ideas, supporting colleagues, and actively participating in group activities.

Reliability and punctuality – Track record of being punctual, dependable and committed to fulfilling responsibilities and tasks consistently.

Adaptability – Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle unexpected situations and remain flexible in a dynamic educational environment.

Attention to detail and organisation – Strong observational skills, paying attention to the specific needs of individual children and demonstrating an organised approach to work.

Willingness to undertake a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Benefits of a St Nicholas Certificate III work-based traineeship include:

A nationally recognised entry-level qualification in early education and care (CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care)
Paid on-the-job training at a St Nicholas Early Education centre
Opportunities to demonstrate workplace skills and experience to a prospective employer.

St Nicholas work-based trainee playing in the sandpit with children at one of our early childhood centres

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)

Educator

↓

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)

Educational Leader
Nominated Supervisor
Director

↓

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Primary Teaching

Director
Early Childhood Teacher
Early Childhood Specialist

St Nicholas work-based trainee playing in the mud kitchen with a child at one of our early childhood centres

Diploma Work-Based Traineeship

Responsibilities and selection criteria
Benefits
Career and study pathways

Responsibilities of a St Nicholas Diploma work-based trainee include:

Document and plan for children’s learning and development
Developing strong relationships with children and families
Implementing the policies and associated procedures of St Nicholas
Working as part of a team to ensure the positive implementation of policies and associated procedures.

St Nicholas work-based trainee playing with foam blocks with children at one of our early childhood centres

Selection criteria for a St Nicholas Diploma work-based trainee includes:

An approved Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent)

Child protection qualification

Current First Aid Certificate, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management training

Working With Children Check verification number

Demonstrated understanding of –

National Quality Framework (NQF)
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting
Workplace Health and Safety issues and practices

Passion for early education – Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for working with young children, showing a genuine desire to pursue a career in early education.

Effective communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and interact with children, colleagues, and parents in a professional and respectful manner.

Team player – Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, contributing ideas, supporting colleagues, and actively participating in group activities.

Reliability and punctuality – Track record of being punctual, dependable and committed to fulfilling responsibilities and tasks consistently.

Adaptability – Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle unexpected situations and remain flexible in a dynamic educational environment.

Attention to detail and organisation – Strong observational skills, paying attention to the specific needs of individual children and demonstrating an organised approach to work.

Willingness to undertake a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Benefits of a St Nicholas Diploma work-based traineeship include:

A nationally recognised Diploma qualification in early education and care (Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care)
Paid on-the-job training at a St Nicholas Early Education centre
A pathway to our above-award Diploma conditions.

St Nicholas work-based trainee painting with children at one of our early childhood centres

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)

Educational Leader
Nominated Supervisor
Director

↓

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Primary Teaching

Director
Early Childhood Teacher
Early Childhood Specialist

St Nicholas work-based trainee reading with children at one of our early childhood centres

Make an enquiry

Early Education
OOSH
Pathways

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Submitting a booking request or enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking. No booking is confirmed until you have received email confirmation from St Nicholas.
For casual and Vacation Care bookings, we have a 5-day cancellation policy, after which the parent/carer will be liable for their full fees for that session. For permanent bookings, we have a 2-week cancellation policy.
One-off cancellations for permanent bookings still require the parent/carer to pay their full fees for that session, unless the cancellation is permanent, in which case the family will forfeit their permanent place for that session.

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Testimonials

‘The trainers are so supportive and knowledgeable. I know I can approach them for whatever I need and they’ll always do their best to help me.’

Georgia Pathways Student

‘St Nicholas Pathways has enabled me to fast-track my dream of becoming an educator.’

Kayla Pathways Student

‘The Immersion program has been amazing to be able to get a taste of what it’s like to work in early childhood. I now know this is the career path for me.’

Steph Pathways Student

‘St Nicholas supported me for the entirety of my work-based traineeship. I’m now one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a Centre Director.’

Talia Pathways Student