Whatever it is, don’t worry – there are many pathways to a rewarding career through vocational training.

If university is still the goal at the end of your learning journey, you’ll be pleased to know that gaining a tertiary qualification isn’t off limits. There are ways to fast-track your progress to a Bachelor degree.

Alternative pathways to university

Going to uni isn’t for everyone and may not be achievable straight after high school. If you fit into this category for whatever reason, it’s a good idea to think of the alternatives.

Vocational education and training (VET) is designed to get you job-ready sooner and provide pathways to success. This will look different for everyone depending on your goals and interests. Gaining a qualification in early childhood education and care can open up a number of desirable outcomes and pathways, including:

• Becoming qualified
• Getting your dream job
• Obtaining secure work
• The first step toward leadership roles
• Pathway to Bachelor degree in teaching

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to progress your career. Vocational education and training might just be the right starting point for you.

Now let’s have a look at specific pathways – from Certificate III to Diploma and beyond.

Gaining your Certificate III

A Certificate III is the starting point for meaningful work in early childhood education. Kicking off your career in this dynamic sector means beginning with a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early childhood Education and Care.

This qualification will take around 12 months to complete and can be done online or within a workplace training mode. At the end of it, you’ll be qualified to work in an entry-level role anywhere in Australia.

The best thing about starting with a Certificate III is gaining a broad understanding of your chosen sector. This qualification is designed to provide core skills and set you up for future learning, employment and opportunities to enhance your skillset.

Distinct advantages of gaining a Certificate III include:

• Foundational knowledge
• Understanding your sector and job responsibilities
• Real workplace experience through practical placement
• Gaining the adaptive skills to take you far
• Ticking off the pre-requisite qualification to commence work in the sector (ECEC)

Create your individual goals

Once you’ve started, the next step is to set some goals. Think about where you want your training to take you and what outcomes you’re looking to achieve.

Where do you see yourself working or studying in the future? Are there any specific roles – like a management or leadership role – you’d like to work your way toward?

The next step on your journey

Once you’ve completed your Certificate III and maybe worked a little in the sector, it’s time to take the next step. A Diploma will enable you to move up with a higher-level qualification.

The CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a well-regarded qualification which provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader in this dynamic sector. If university is your goal, this Diploma is the link between vocational training and tertiary education, and upon completion you’ll be offered a direct pathway to studying a Bachelor degree at Swinburne University.

With a Diploma behind you there will be opportunities to work as an educator, assistant or centre director in various early childhood settings.

Developing skills for success

Moving up with a Diploma is a great way to make the most of all the rewarding opportunities these sectors have to offer. Advantages to undertaking a higher-level qualification include:

• Gain leadership skills
• Enhance your knowledge and practical skill level
• Improve your understanding of the sector
• Gain credit toward further study
• Hone the adaptive/transferrable skills needed for success in your field

Making your own way to university

If university is still your ultimate goal you’ll be pleased to know it’s absolutely achievable. Education is a journey, and you just have to think a little outside the box.

Certificate III to a Diploma to a Degree (fast track into second year)

A clear advantage of graduating from the Diploma of Early Childhood Education is that you’ll be eligible to fast-track your learning to a Bachelor of Education at Swinburne Online, in either Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood and Primary Teaching.

The best thing is, your credit will allow you to enter the second year of the degree, meaning you’ll be saving money as well as speeding up the process of becoming a qualified teacher. Once you’ve completed your degree you’ll be able to teach in a range of settings, from kindergartens to primary schools across the country.

The power of pathways

Education is a journey for everyone, no matter what course you take. If you’re having trouble finding your way into university, don’t underestimate the power of pathways.

The team at Practical Outcomes can set you on the road to success.

Along with school children taking on remote learning from their homes, those studying or looking to get qualified during the pandemic were not able to head to campuses or classes.

Thankfully gaining qualifications was still achievable with studying online becoming the new normal. In fact, while many things were put on hold, studying a course to change careers or upskill has been able to continue with the flexibility of online learning.

Understanding the nature of eLearning

eLearning is a technology-supported approach to studying that is also known as distance learning, online learning, distance education, off-campus and more. Essentially, eLearning is enrolling and participating in a course to gain qualifications in an online setting. All you need is a laptop or computer with internet access and you are well on your way.

While studying a course online is nothing new, the onset of the pandemic meant that the shift to online study was fast-tracked. Online courses continued to be safe and allowed learners to proceed with gaining their qualifications.

As the nation’s vaccination rates increase and restrictions ease us back toward a new normal, it’s expected that many learners will continue to opt for eLearning. The flexible nature among other benefits is appealing to a range of individuals for a variety of reasons.

The increasing popularity of eLearning

The pandemic is not the only reason why online learning has become so popular. There are plenty of reasons to choose an eLearning approach to get qualified in your chosen course, including:

Studying to suit your life

Rather than fit your life around class times and on-campus schedules, online courses empower learners with the flexibility to study when it suits them. For parents returning to study, this might mean when children are at school or asleep. For those currently working, before or after work, or even lunch breaks can be great to fit in coursework. Fit in your social life, family time, self-care and more along with your online studies in a balanced way that works for you.

Improved accessibility

Travel time can eat into the week, especially if you live in a regional or rural area that would require a lot of travel to take on a course. Not everyone has access to a car, and public transport isn’t always an option. Furthermore, if you live with mobility issues or auditory or visual impairments, in-class learning might not be ideal for you. When you study a course online you can overcome many accessibility concerns by choosing to do your coursework in an environment that best meets your specific needs.

Flexible ways to reach support

Studying online with a high-quality training provider should also mean studying with the support of a dedicated trainer who gets to know you. Best of all, there are so many ways to reach support when you need it during your study journey. Video chats, email, texting, phone calls and in-person catch-ups mean you will always be able to get the guidance required in a way you find most helpful.

Pandemic and lockdown-proof

While practical placements can be affected at times, for the most part, eLearning is pandemic-proof. This means you can be confident that you will continue to learn in a safe space.

A supportive online training experience

Every training provider is different, but at Practical Outcomes we believe that eLearning should be just as individualised and supported as training on campus. This means a dedicated trainer who supports you and gets to know you throughout your course, as well as clearly structured course material that is easy to follow.

Our online learning portal is simple to use, so if technology isn’t your strong suit there’s no need to worry. Plus, there’s plenty of support as needed. A set schedule of when units and assessments need to be completed means you can plot out your own approach to your coursework to suit your life. Everyone is different and the same style of learning doesn’t apply to everyone.

Online coursework through the Practical Outcomes learning portal includes:

• Watching videos online
• Completing quizzes
• Submitting assessments
• Discussion forums with students and trainers

Also featured in our online portal are online community hubs. These are designed to build up each learner’s knowledge while delivering a sense of belonging within the learner community. Chatting to trainers and other learners who are studying the same course as they are can enhance confidence and provide an opportunity to interact with the content and discuss each unit with peers. The online community hubs cover a range of learning styles from visual to auditory to maximise the benefits for all learners.

An online approach to studying early childhood education

By choosing eLearning and studying your course online, you could commence a fulfilling career in the early childhood education sector sooner rather than later. While the pandemic has meant putting many aspects of life on hold, your studies can go ahead.

Enrolling in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the entry-level qualification to get started in this thriving sector. Plus, completing this qualification opens up doors to pathways to upskill to a Diploma in early childhood or even a university degree in teaching down the track. Studying online can be undertaken at any time, including within an early childhood education workplace setting while you’re studying, or via a traineeship. A computer or laptop along with an internet connection are all you need.

If a flexible approach to studying that comes complete with support from trainers and peers sounds like a great way for you to get the qualifications you need, consider eLearning with Practical Outcomes.

Contact our team to chat about your goals and find out how we can help you achieve them.

While most of us have experienced classroom learning at various points in our lives, enrolling to take classes via a computer or laptop can be a bit daunting, so it’s useful to understand the ins and outs of online learning so you can get the best outcomes throughout your journey. And don’t worry — from the support provided to the flexibility and so much more, there is plenty to love about studying online. Learn what to expect below.

Why study online?

There are many reasons people choose to pursue their chosen qualifications online. While the coronavirus pandemic has made online learning the norm for now, there are other circumstances that make this the preferred delivery mode for a range of learners.

For some it’s useful to effectively juggle family commitments, for others they want to fit their studying in around work, and for many they simply find studying from home more enjoyable.

Choosing to complete your course via an online delivery mode gives you options for when, where and how you approach your training. With a high-quality qualification attainable from the comfort of your own home, studying is more accessible than ever before.

What are the benefits of studying online?

Whatever your reason for choosing to learn online, the benefits are undeniable. Let’s take a look at a few of the perks of studying online:

Studying when it suits: Are you most productive first thing in the morning? Or maybe you prefer to get stuck into studying in the evening? With online learning, you can study at the time that best suits you, your life and your schedule.

Customise your learning environment: While the classroom setting has long been the prevalent set up for studying, it may not be the environment in which you learn best. Studying online means you can create the learning environment that you want. Your pets can come to class with you too!

Learning at your own pace: Life can be unpredictable, but the flexible nature of online courses enables learners to tackle their studies at their own unique pace giving you one less thing to worry about.

How are courses delivered online?

Your online course shouldn’t simply be a big document to read with an assignment at the end. A quality course is delivered online in a dynamic and interactive way. Plus, studying online minimises paper-based resources, so you’re doing your bit for the environment too.

At Practical Outcomes we have an online portal where our students can visit and know that they can study effectively. This learning platform makes studying online an engaging and supported experience, which in turn makes completing your studies easier and enjoyable.

Your online coursework will include watching videos online, completing quizzes and submitting assessments through the portal. You’ll have regular communication with your dedicated trainer via email, video or phone, and receive individualised feedback to get the most from your studies. The portal even provides opportunities and space for our learners to collaborate with other students online.

If you’re concerned about your level of tech savviness, don’t be. Technical assistance is available whenever you need it, and you will have ample support to navigate the online portal.

Is practical placement included in an online course?

Practical skills are best developed on the job, so while our online portal provides a thorough training experience, we still incorporate a practical placement component into our courses. This hands-on learning gives you the chance to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain vital industry experience.

Our team will help you to find a placement that is best suited to you and your circumstances and career goals. Through your placement you will acquire firsthand experience that will contribute to your confidence, capability and critical reflection. The practical placement hours will enhance your training and help you to be job-ready when you complete your course.

What is needed to start courses online?

A little preparation can go a long way, so getting sorted before your course commences is highly recommended. Thankfully, the requirements to study online are similar to those needed for any course delivery mode

When you’re starting your studies, these should be a priority:

Reliable internet connection: There’s nothing worse than waiting for things to load for ages or, worse yet, not being able to get online at all. A quality, reliable internet connection is essential for studying online.

Establish trust with your trainer: Your trainer wants you to succeed and is there for you through every step of the way during your training journey. Get to know them and let them support you by asking for help as you need it.

Create a routine: Distractions can pop up when you’re studying online, so set up a routine or schedule that enables you to allocate the time you need to your course with minimal disruptions. A routine will minimise stress and maximise results.

Understand what needs to be done: Take the time to understand what you need to do and how to do it. This will make your studies easier to tackle and help you to know what questions to ask. Make sure you know how to submit coursework, join discussion groups and seek additional support.  

What kind of support is there for students studying online?

Qualifications delivered online should still involve people. Support from experienced trainers is just as important for online learning. When you enrol in your online early childhood course with Practical Outcomes, you will be allocated a trainer who will remain your go-to support person throughout your learning journey.

Our trainers have vast experience in early childhood education and care across a variety of settings and share valuable insight to enrich your learning. The support provided by trainers helps learners to reach their full potential and bring their career dreams to life. Communication between learners and trainers can be arranged via phone, email, text or video call — you decide the means of contact that best meets your needs.

In addition to a dedicated trainer, students can access our Language, Literacy and Numeracy support (LLN). Don’t let these areas act as a barrier to your study success — we can help you overcome these challenges and thrive in early childhood education. Our Learner Success advisors and technical support team are also available to give learners every opportunity to shine as they work towards their qualifications.

If the classroom setting is something you are concerned about missing out on when studying online, there’s no need to worry. Our learner community hubs via the online portal are perfect for engaging with your peers and working together through your studies. This human-centred approach to learning is key to developing soft skills central to career success such as problem-solving, managing emotions and verbalising and discussing ideas.

Are online courses recognised qualifications?

Just because you don’t attend a campus for your learning, it doesn’t make your qualification any less valid. The courses we provide online are nationally recognised qualifications that are taught by industry experts.

Not only can you be confident that you are gaining a quality early childhood education qualification, you can also access our university pathway to a Bachelor of Education degree in either Early Childhood Teaching or Early Childhood and Primary Teaching at Swinburne Online. This enables you to fast-track your teaching career using credits from your CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care to fast-track your teaching career.

Tips for succeeding in courses online

When you’re studying courses online for the first time, it can be tricky to know the best way to do it successfully, and with minimal stress. These six quick tips will help you when the time comes to start studying online:

1. Find what motivates you
2. Incorporate study into your daily routine
3. Be patient with yourself
4. Take regular study breaks
5. Create a workspace you love
6. Ask for help when you need it

We’ve got more helpful online study tips for you here.

Study online for a career in early childhood

Keep in mind that much like classroom course delivery, the approach and quality of the training provided can vary between training organisations so it’s important that you choose carefully. When researching options to enrol in early childhood education courses online, look for a high quality training provider who can support you in achieving your study goals.

To learn more about our early childhood education courses, contact Practical Outcomes via phone or email today.

Practical Outcomes students who graduate with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50125) can now access a university pathway at Swinburne Online, with their Diploma credits going towards a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Teaching or Early Childhood and Primary Teaching.

While a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is already a sought-after qualification, if teaching at a kindergarten or primary school level is your ultimate career goal then a Bachelor of Education is what you need. Practical Outcomes can now offer you a fast-tracked pathway.

The pathway that saves you time and money

Often the process of upskilling to a university Bachelor Degree from your Diploma is complex and time-consuming, which is why we are so excited to be able to offer this education and career pathway to our learners. This pathway not only enables you to further your career, but saves you time and money — both precious resources for students!

The way the Practical Outcomes to university process works means that you access the Bachelor of Education using the credits gained through your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The result is fast-tracked study, plus a financial saving of up to one year’s tuition fees!

A supportive, engaging and flexible study environment

We are delighted to offer this education and career pathway to our students with a reputable university like Swinburne Online and provide you with the opportunity to study in an environment that is supportive, engaging and flexible. After all, for the best chance of success your study needs to fit in with your life!
To learn more about how you can access a fast-tracked pathway from Diploma to a university Bachelor Degree with Swinburne Online, click here.