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Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Personalised for INTERNATIONAL students.
International student means; you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

Bianca is shaping the future through Education Support

Two primary school students learning in a classroom with a smart tablet, assisted by a Teacher’s Aide.
Education Support staff, or Teachers’ Aides, are integral to any education environment.

For Bianca Falcone, family always comes first and home-schooling her three young children during lockdowns ignited a new passion and career path through School-Based Education Support.

After school, Bianca embarked on a career as a marketing professional and successfully completed multiple marketing qualifications. Bianca built her marketing and administration career in various sectors, including her family’s insurance business before starting a young family. The niggle of teaching has always been at the Bianca’s back of mind and when the pandemic lockdowns hit, Bianca faced with the challenge of home-schooling her young kids. With a natural aptitude for teaching and a passion for young minds, Bianca took a leap of faith and enrolled in Certificate III in School-Based Education Support CHC30221.

Combining study with a busy family life   

Bianca weighed up the risks and benefits of studying at university and decided that the learning environment of Melbourne Polytechnic was better suited to the path she wanted to follow and the style in which she wanted to learn. ‘The class sizes are much smaller than the university lecture halls, this means that the teachers naturally have a more student-focused teaching style, attention to detail for each student really makes a difference to your learning outcome’.

One of the key benefits of studying education support for Bianca was the family-friendly timetable of the classes, starting at 9am and finishing at 3pm, Bianca was able to study whilst managing her own school runs.

A day in the life of an Education Support worker

Education Support staff, or Teachers’ Aides, are integral to any education environment. Although integrated into a wider school team, support staff predominately work in collaboration with a teacher to develop a student’s individual learning needs and build social skills, self-esteem and cognitive development through learning. Administrative tasks may also be part of the job requirement as well as attending school events (fun!) and providing feedback to parents and carers on a student’s learning progress.

No two days are the same in the classroom and every student has different needs; you’re constantly engaged and inspired at work.

The Scoop on an Education Support Career

The average per annum salary for Education Support workers is $60k, however, there is room to move and grow within the sector. Upskilling in education allows students to follow a definitive career often parallel with working. As well as attractive study timetables, the hours of work generally follow a school timetable, making this an ideal option for return-to-work parents.

A Certificate III in School-Based Education Support CHC30221 can be completed in 6 months, full-time at approximately three days a week.

The future looks bright.

Bianca says, “I’m now seriously considering enrolling in the Bachelor of Education – the hours work for my lifestyle and family and I can grow my career in the education sector whilst getting further ‘on the job’ experience with my current employer”. Bianca’s advice for anyone wanting to start studying?  “Speak up and seek the support of your teachers, my Melbourne Polytechnic teachers were incredible. Even though across the course their teaching styles were different, they each brought a valuable piece of their own experience and knowledge to each student”.

Bianca also noted that Studiosity - a feedback resource for students - was invaluable for checking assignments and readability of course work; “the turnaround time on feedback was so fast, every student should use this free resource, it’s amazing!”.

Enrol Today

Melbourne Polytechnic has a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates in the field of Education. Certificate III in School-Based Education Support CHC30221 is a Free TAFE course for eligible students.

Apply now or register for a free information session

Education

Melbourne Polytechnic's courses develop industry-ready graduates ready to contribute to the education sector in schools and other organisations.

Certificate III in School Based Education Support CHC30221
Education - Full Time - Epping, Preston
Free Tafe Education - Full Time - Preston, Epping
This course provides you with comprehensive and high quality training if you would like to work with students with special needs. It is specifically designed for people who would like to work in schools assisting the teacher by providing extra literacy and numeracy support to students in the classroom.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Epping, Preston
Free Tafe Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Epping
This course is designed to develop your understanding of issues relevant to the children’s services sector and to enhance your practical skills needed to deliver high quality care and education to young children.
Bachelor of Education (Early Years and Primary)
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
CSP VTAC Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
The Bachelor of Education provides you the expert knowledge and classroom practice to succeed as an educator in the early childhood and primary setting.
Associate Degree of Early Years Studies
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
CSP VTAC Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
If you’re inspired to work with young children and would like to work as an educator in day care or a kindergarten, our Associate Degree of Early Years Studies is ideal for you.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Education - Full Time - Preston
CSP VTAC Education - Full Time - Preston
Prepare for your career as a kinder and early childhood teacher in children aged from birth to five years.