CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Kick-start your career with this entry-level course that will set you up with the foundation skills you need to succeed as an assistant childcare worker.

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Help Build Futures, One Child at a Time

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in children’s lives, this is your starting point. CHC30121 is the nationally recognised entry-level qualification required for employment in childcare settings across Australia. Learn practical skills, gain real-world experience, and graduate ready for meaningful work in an industry with strong demand.

 

Why Study With Axiom College?

Guaranteed Industry Placement

Every student is guaranteed an industry placement with one of our host partners once eligibility requirements are met. Placements are included as part of the course delivery, with no additional fees.

Government Funding Support

Eligible students may access Queensland Government subsidies through the Career Start and Career Boost programs, helping to reduce course fees.

Pathways to Further Study

Continue your studies with the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, opening doors to higher-level roles and leadership opportunities.

Course Overview

Kickstart your childcare career with this entry-level qualification.

Students studying childcare certification

Qualification

CHC30121 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Vocational Placement

Includes a minimum of 160 placement hours with one of Axiom’s host partners.

Duration

12–18 months, with flexible delivery via classroom, blended, or traineeship.

Study Locations

Brisbane (Milton) and Hervey Bay campuses.

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements. Recommended for students aged 16+.

Career Outcomes

Roles include Early Childhood Educator, Family Day Care Educator, Kindergarten Assistant, or Outside School Hours Care Assistant.

Pathways to Further Study

Progress to the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care for greater career opportunities.

Funding Options

Students may be eligible for subsidised training under Career Start or Career Boost. Speak to Axiom to learn more.

This course is suitable for:

Job seekers or student wanting practical training with guaranteed placement included

Employees who want to upskill with a nationally recognised qualification

Employees who want to upskill with a nationally recognised qualification

Course Units

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all 17 Units (15 core and 2 elective units). You will also be required to undertake 160 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

Course Training Plan

Unit Code Unit Name
CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
CHCECE034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
CHCECE037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
CHCECE035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
CHCECE036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
CHCECE038 Observe children to inform practice
BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities
CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care

 

Government Funding to Support Your Study

Axiom College is proud to be an approved training provider under the Queensland Government’s Skills Assure program. This means eligible students may access subsidised training that reduces the cost of their qualification.

Career Start Program

Delivered under the Queensland Government’s Certificate 3 Guarantee, this program helps eligible students complete their first post-school Certificate III with reduced fees. It’s designed to support people starting their career journey or re-entering the workforce.

View the Career Start fact sheet (PDF)

Career Boost Program

Delivered under the Queensland Government’s Higher Level Skills program, this funding stream helps those who already hold a qualification to upskill, retrain, or take the next step in their career.

Review the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) fact sheet.

Eligibility criteria apply. Request a callback from our team to discuss your options or download the fact sheets for detailed information.

Axiom College Health Hub Photo 2

Available Enrolment Options

Axiom College is proud to be an approved training provider under the Queensland Government’s Skills Assure program.
This means eligible students may access subsidised training that reduces the cost of their qualification.

Upfront Payment

Payment Plans Available

Pay for your training in full up-front, or choose a payment plan if the cost exceeds the threshold. We’ll work with you to make payment manageable, no surprises later.

Career Start Program

Government Funding Option

Delivered under the Queensland Government’s Certificate 3 Guarantee, this program helps eligible students complete their first post-school Certificate III with reduced fees. It’s designed to support people starting their career journey or re-entering the workforce.

View the Career Start fact sheet (PDF)

Career Boost Program

Government Funding Option

Delivered under the Queensland Government’s Higher Level Skills program, this funding stream helps those who already hold a qualification to upskill, retrain, or take the next step in their career.

Review the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) fact sheet.

Eligibility criteria apply for government funding. Request a callback from our team to discuss your options or download the fact sheets for detailed information.

Are you a high school student?

Start Early with the Axiom Health Hub!

Thinking about a career in aged care, disability support, or health services? Axiom’s Health Hub Program gives high school students a real-world “taster” of working in healthcare.

  • Delivered as the HLT23221 Certificate II in Health Support Services
  • Hands-on training in simulated hospital and aged care settings
  • Learn practical skills such as infection control, patient mobility, vital signs monitoring, and medical terminology
  • Delivered one day per week at school or on-campus, typically over 15–20 weeks
  • Fully funded for eligible students under VETiS, with QCE points included

Many Health Hub graduates go on to study the Certificate III in Individual Support, building on their foundation to launch a career in aged care, disability support, or community services.

Axiom College Health Hub Photo 2
Childcare Student Placement Cert III

Get Real World Experience With Axiom

At Axiom College, your industry placement is built into the course and fully supported by our trusted host partners. 

  • If you’re not already working in a suitable role, we’ll work with you and our partners to organise a placement that fits
  • Students must meets industry specific requirements
  • Placement is an included part of your training - no extra costs, no hidden fees.

To learn more about our vocational placement support, request a call back from our team.

Axiom College School Pathways

University Pathways

Your study at Axiom can also be the start of a bigger journey. Many of our qualifications offer recognised pathways into higher education, giving you the option to continue your studies at university.

Through partnerships with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), your prior learning with Axiom may be credited towards a university degree. This recognition of prior study means you can: 

  • Reduce the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree
  • Lower the overall cost of study
  • Transition seamlessly from vocational training into higher education

Download our school offerings brochure to learn more.

Download Brochure

Ready to apply?

If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you’re ready to get started.

Apply below or request a callback with a training consultant to get started!

Running a childcare centre and need skilled staff?

Partner With Axiom College

Axiom College welcomes partnerships with businesses to host student placements or develop tailored traineeships for your team.

Our students complete 160 hours of vocational placement, giving you the opportunity to support future educators and potentially recruit them directly into your workforce. We also provide training solutions to upskill your current staff, with flexible delivery options that fit your centre’s needs.

Interested in partnering? Request a call back from our team today.

Axiom College Business Partnerships Childcare Centres

Our Student Feedback

I must say going back to learning and having class mates again is one of the best experiences in many years for me and Axiom have been nothing but generous, helpful and supportive! 

Lisa
Axiom Student

It was nice experience to study at axiom, my trainer is such an amazing teacher and the rest of the tutors are friendly as well... right from the reception you feel the warmth.

Eve
Axiom Student

Couldn't have asked for a better trainer during my time studying for my Cert III.

Always professional, helpful and quick to respond.

Andrew
Axiom Student

Frequently asked questions

How experienced are your trainers?

Our trainers all have industry currency which means they have recent and relevant industry experience. With real life stories and experiences to share, our qualifications come to life providing useful industry insight. Axiom College’s continuous improvement policy has seen our programs develop beyond the assessment outcomes to include meaningful industry connections.

Do you offer support for students?

Yes! Our Student Support Centre aims to deliver an integrated professional service to all students and employers. This is achieved by providing quality customer service to enhance the overall learning experience.

The Support team provides support, guidance and advice to learners and employers for any queries or online technical issues they may encounter.

Contact support@axiomcollege.com.au for existing students and employer.

What are your assessment methods?

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at Axiom College, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

What is the assessment process?

Assessment will only be carried out for accredited training where a qualification, statement of attainment or licence may be issued.

Assessment will be carried out on the submission of completed unit/s of competency. Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at Axiom College, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Assessment evidence submitted by the student will be marked and feedback given advising whether the evidence is satisfactory (successful) or unsatisfactory (unsuccessful). Additional feedback may be provided as required. All evidence is retained by Axiom College.

What resources do I need to complete this course?

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable Internet connection to access learning resources, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Is there Government Funding Available for CHC30121?

Yes. Axiom College (RTO #40489) is an approved Skills Assure supplier under the Queensland Government. Eligible students may access subsidised training through the Career Start Program (Certificate 3 Guarantee) or the Career Boost Program (Higher Level Skills).

These programs reduce the cost of your study, but do not cover the full course fee, student contribution fees still apply.