There is still time to apply for the Switch to Child Protection 2026 program!
Are you or is someone you know interested in a rewarding career in child protection? Then consider the Switch to Child Protection program.
The program is an opportunity to study a Graduate Certificate in Child Protection while working in child protection and receiving a full-time wage.
Applicants need to:
- have a diploma of community services (or equivalent) plus 3 years’ full time professional experience in a related field or
- have a relevant bachelor’s degree
and
- meet the other eligibility criteria outlined on the webpage.
Apply by Monday 23 March 2026, 11:59 pm on the Switch to Child Protection webpage.
What does the program look like?
Program participants will:
- study a Graduate Certificate in Child Protection at La Trobe University. This will be full-time over one semester (around 4 months)
- work 2 days per week while studying. Each participant will work as an Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4). The salary for this position starts from $100,894 per year plus superannuation
- stay on as a full-time Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4) after completing the graduate certificate.
Participants will get a retention incentive equal to the tuition fee of $9,596. This will be paid after they successfully complete the program qualification and 12 months of child protection service.
Eligible regional staff will also receive the regional retention allowance. This is a payment of $2,500 paid on Wednesday 1 July 2026, Friday 1 January 2027 and Thursday 1 July 2027 to eligible employees.