Do you have any questions? We’ve got the answers!
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or have more questions that you would love us to answer, we’re available to chat throughout the week. Simply contact us!
Choosing Meerilinga Training College
What is the enrolment process for Meerilinga Training College?
When you have found the course that you would like to enrol in, contact us or fill in an enquiry form. We will send you an email with information about the course and a link to our application form. Our Administration team will assess your application and let you know if you have been successful. If you’re successful, we will enrol you for the agreed start date.
- Complete an enquiry form
- Receive and complete application form
- We’ll assess your application
- Enrolment
- Course starts
Whatever stage of the enrolment journey you’re at, we’re always available to chat! Visit the contact us page for our details.
Does Meerilinga offer Nationally Recognised Training?
Yes, Meerilinga Training College is proud to offer specialised childcare training that leads to vocational qualifications and Statements of Attainment that are recognised across Australia. For more information regarding the Nationally Recognised training available at Meerilinga, please visit the course page specific to your chosen course.
When can I apply for a classroom course?
You can apply at any time! Simply contact us or complete an enquiry and we will send you the application form. It doesn’t matter if the course starts in six months or six days! You may even be able to apply and enrol in a course that has already started, provided we are comfortable our support will allow you to catch up with your classmates.
Can I study at Meerilinga for free?
Some Early Childhood Education and Care qualifications can be completed for free as part of the WA Government publicly funded Jobs and Skills WA initiative. Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Speak to one of our team to see if you qualify.
Can I complete courses at Meerilinga online?
We offer a hybrid mode of delivery. Our classroom courses are delivered two days face to face at the chosen location and the third day is via virtual class. This approach offers learners a flexible learning environment while providing real-world support and real relationships with other students.
My English is not great. How will you support me in my studies?
Many of our trainers speak multiple languages and every trainer is fully qualified to support you if English is a second language. As part of the enrolment process, students are required to take an online Literacy Quiz so that we can understand what level of support you require. We then organise an individual Learner Support Plan to help you to achieve success in your studies.
Is there homework for classroom students?
Much of the work is covered during class so there is almost no homework. Tutorials are also available to allow you to have extra support if needed.
How do I find a placement for my classroom course?
If you are studying a classroom course, Meerilinga’s administration team will support you in finding a placement by helping to connect you with trusted industry providers. Your placement will take place in a regulated education and care service and is designed to give learners workplace experience and an opportunity to apply what they have been learning in the classroom.
Can I study while my child attends a Meerilinga Early Learning Program?
Meerilinga Training College is a great choice if you’re a parent looking to study since many of our classrooms are co-located in one of Meerilinga’s Early Education and Care Services. This makes it easy to enrol your child in a trusted provider while you study nearby. Contact Meerilinga’s Children Services to see if there are vacancies are available at your place of study.
Is it true that Meerilinga Training College is a not for profit organisation?
Meerilinga Training College is administered by the Meerilinga Children and Community Foundation Incorporated, a registered Australian charity. This supports the College’s focus on delivering high-quality education and learner wellbeing in line with its charitable purpose.
I’m an Employer, why should I choose Meerilinga Training College for my trainees?
As a specialist provider of early childhood education and care qualifications, Meerilinga Training College has built a strong reputation for developing educators with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their profession. We pride ourselves on the support and quality training our students receive with Trainers and Assessors who bring extensive industry and training experience.
We’re backed by over 100 years of history in Western Australia’s kindergarten sector, with Meerilinga’s Kindergarten Training College officially opening in 1922. Find out more reasons to choose us by contacting us.
About the Early Childhood Industry
Is Early Childhood Education and Care a growing industry?
Definitely! While there are over 200,000 workers in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry, reporting by the Australian government found that there was a need for around 50,000 newly qualified workers. This is partly due to the development of new services, population growth and government policies aiming to increase the enrolment of children in education and care.
What is an RTO?
A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a training provider approved to deliver nationally recognised courses in Australia. This means the qualifications and Statements of Attainment you receive are recognised by employers and other education providers across the country.
All RTOs have a unique registration number (RTO code). This lets students and employers check that the provider and their courses are officially recognised. Before enrolling, you should check the national register at training.gov.au using the RTO code.
Meerilinga Training College is an RTO (RTO Code 6000). We are approved to deliver nationally recognised training and are regulated by the Training Accreditation Council (TAC). This helps ensure our training meets national standards and is of a good quality.
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship combines paid employment with structured, on-the-job learning where you can earn a wage while working. You will be able to progress through the units at your own pace while one of Meerilinga Training College’s dedicated Trainer/Assessors will visit you every 4 to 6 weeks to provide training for you in your own workplace. We come to you!
In order to secure a traineeship you will need to find an employer that is offering/advertising a place as you will need to be working at least 15 hours per week in a permanent part time role at a regulated child care centre. Speak to your employer about nominating Meerilinga as your preferred ‘Training Provider’. If you are a new worker and eligible, the Traineeship is free. If you are an existing worker there are fees associated with the training.
Speak to one of Meerilinga’s friendly Admin Team Members for more details.
What is an existing worker?
An existing worker is defined as a person who has been employed by the applicant employer continuously for more than 3 months full-time or 12 months casual or part-time or a combination of both, immediately prior to the commencement date of the Training Contract.
What is a blended delivery model?
Meerilinga Training College offers a blended delivery model for our classroom-based courses. This means that the learning is a mix of face-to-face, virtual class and one day of placement. This allows you to enjoy a flexible study arrangement with. Any classes are run during ‘school hours’, which is useful for parents of school-aged children.
How many placement hours are required to complete my course?
For CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, students are required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of work placement in a regulated child care centre.
For CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, the minimum work placement requirement is 280 hours.
What is the minimum qualification needed to work in Early Childhood Education and Care?
To work in casual employment in a child care centre, you need to be working towards achieving your CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or your CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Once you have attained this qualification, you may then be able to gain employment as an Educator in a child care centre.
You can do more with a Diploma level of qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care, including working as a Lead Educator or even managing a child care centre.
What qualification(s) do I need to complete the CHC50125 Diploma course?
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold meet the following requirements:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or
- CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or
- Hold an Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or Certificate III in Children’s Services, or
- Hold an Australian diploma or Certificate III in Children’s Services, AND Demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence, or
- Hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care