Gowrie Relaunches Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care as a Blended Program 

The Gowrie Victoria RTO is relaunching the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in October as a blended program, making it more accessible to educators working full time.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen fewer Certificate III-qualified educators upskill to the Diploma as they’ve been unable to attend weekly classes onsite or have found it challenging balancing the coursework and assessments with their day-to-day responsibilities as an educator. Our aim is to provide a more flexible learning pathway that acknowledges educators’ existing skills and knowledge and makes the content and assessment directly relevant to their learning needs and professional development as an educator and someone aspiring to move into their first leadership position.

As well as the availability of Skills First-funded places through the Gowrie RTO, the other good news for educators is that the Victorian Department of Education’s scholarship program is currently offering funding of up to $7,000 for educators to complete the Diploma.

Glyn Williams, Executive Manager of Adult Learning, explains:

“At Gowrie, we’re firmly committed to building leadership capability in the sector. We’re working with the Victorian Department of Education to develop and deliver their Service Leadership Program in 2027. But we also want to help support the next generation of educators looking to build their leadership skills and move into leadership roles.

“By re-creating this as a blended learning program, our aim is to make the Diploma more accessible to educators across Victoria whilst still ensuring a high-quality learning experience.”

The revised course will offer blended learning with fortnightly trainer-led classes and online self-paced learning, allowing students to undertake their studies during the working week at times more convenient to them. They will complete 280 hours of vocational placement, which can be undertaken as part of their current role within their service. Included in the course will be access to the Gowrie Learning Hub, which is an online platform where students will have access to short courses, eLearning modules and other resources that will support them in their studies.

Glyn added, “Based on our understanding of the support that new leaders often need, we’ve selected elective units focusing on leading people and building teams. But a Gowrie Diploma student will also have access to our suite of microlearning, practical tools and resources on a range of leadership and management topics, including coaching, managing performance and team building on the Gowrie Learning Hub. Our aim is to provide as much support as we can as educators move into their first leadership role.”

Although Humanability are currently undertaking an important review of the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care to ensure responsiveness to current and emerging skills needed in the sector, this course remains the existing Diploma training package. 

For educators considering upskilling with a diploma, the state government is providing incentives of up to $7,000 for early childhood educators to undertake the diploma through a scholarship. To find out if you are eligible, please follow this link. 

If you are an educator or a service leader looking to upskill your team, our next intake for the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is on 12 October. Enquire today!