From painting to primary teaching: how the Commonwealth Prac Payment helped Peter pursue a new career

Peter's journey from running his own painting and decorating business to studying education is a remarkable one. And it's a career change made possible through the Commonwealth Prac Payment which offers eligible students vital financial support while studying.  

Now undertaking a Bachelor of Education (Early Years and Primary) at Melbourne Polytechnic, Peter is preparing for a career he believes will be both meaningful and long-lasting. 

A career change inspired by family 

Before returning to study, Peter was running his own painting and decorating business. While he enjoyed the work, a series of conversations with his young son sparked a new direction. 

"I was constantly trying to explain different things to my son, as you do, and thought there must be a better way," Peter says. 

"Not only that, I realised I was really interested in learning more about education and how children learn." 

Although the decision marked a significant career change, education wasn't entirely unfamiliar territory. Peter had previously completed a childcare-related diploma and spent time working in the sector before establishing his painting business. Combined with his growing interest in learning and teaching, returning to study felt like the right next step. 

"Education seems like a career I could do for the rest of my life," he says. "There are so many different roles within the industry that will keep it interesting." 

Blending study and work commitments  

When researching study options, Melbourne Polytechnic stood out for several reasons. 

The campus was close to home, classes were delivered across two block days, making it easier to balance work and study, and Peter was able to receive credit for previous studies, allowing him to enter directly into the second year of the degree. 

He also appreciated the supportive and accessible learning environment. 

"I had an interview with Elly - an Early Years educator, which was really nice," Peter says. "Melbourne Polytechnic felt more accessible. I didn't want to feel like I was heading into this huge ocean." 

Learning that goes beyond the classroom 

Peter has particularly enjoyed the broad thinking encouraged throughout the course. 

"The subjects you do are really thought-provoking and can apply to the course, or life." 

He says the philosophy and sociology components have challenged him to think differently about education, people, and society. 

Just as importantly, he has valued the connections he's made along the way. 

"Meeting everyone in the course has been great. The lecturers have been lovely, highly educated, and highly personable." 

A payment that made placement possible 

For Peter, one of the most significant supports during his studies has been the Commonwealth Prac Payment. 

The Australian Government initiative provides financial assistance to eligible students undertaking mandatory placements, helping reduce the financial pressure that can come with time away from paid work. 

For Peter, this support was essential. 

"The payment was make or break for me. It was everything. With the payment, I could finish my study without being in financial hell." 

Like many students in education courses, Peter is required to complete professional placements as part of his qualification. While these placements provide invaluable real-world experience, they can also create financial challenges for students who are unable to work during that period. 

"Everyone knows they have to do placements, and they genuinely want to do them because they're valuable," Peter says. "But three weeks without pay can make studying impossible for some people." 

Peter completed one of his placements in his hometown in regional Victoria, an experience he says was both professionally rewarding and financially manageable because of the payment. 

"It was a great way to end the year." 

He believes the Commonwealth Prac Payment helps remove a major barrier for students and ensures more people can complete the qualifications their future professions require. 

Looking ahead 

Peter still has further placements to complete before graduating in 2027, including an upcoming kindergarten placement in Preston. 

After graduation, he hopes to work as a primary school teacher and begin the next chapter of his professional life. 

"My life will be holistically more satisfying," he says. "Education seems like a career I could do for the rest of my life." 

Interested in studying education or learning more about the Commonwealth Prac Payment?  

Explore Melbourne Polytechnic's education courses and support options available to eligible students.