Professional development opportunities

We’re supporting early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers to offer professional development opportunities to teachers and educators.

On this page:

About these opportunities

The government is investing $72.4 million in professional development opportunities from 2023–24 to 2026–27.

The measures aim to:

  • strengthen skills and professional experience
  • improve staff retention
  • build supply
  • increase capacity.

Since 2023, the professional development subsidy has supported qualified staff to complete training that adds to their skills. From 2026–27, the subsidy will support the completion of national child safety training only. This subsidy has been extended to June 2029. 

How this is helping

2025–26

Professional development subsidy

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Workforce Subsidy Dashboard_01_Professional development subsidy  - Total Subsidies
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Workforce Subsidy Dashboard_01_Professional development subsidy - Educators Supported
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Workforce Subsidy Dashboard_01_Professional development subsidy - Services Paid.

Paid practicum subsidy

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Workforce Subsidy Dashboard_01_Paid practicum subsidy  - Total Subsidies $3.80 million
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 Workforce Subsidy Dashboard_01_Paid practicum subsidy  - Educators Supported plus 540
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370+ Services Paid

2024–25

Professional development subsidy

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17.18 million total subsidies
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60100+ Educators Supported
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5070+ Services Paid

Paid practicum subsidy

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12.53 million Total Subsidies
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Red apple sitting on a book outline with the wording "2,100+ Educators supported"
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1340 services paid

2023–24

Professional development subsidy

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Icon of a person standing next to a coin with a dollar symbol
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Icon of an apple sitting on top of a book
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Icon of a building with a clock and a flag

Paid practicum subsidy

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$3.21 million total subsidies
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750 Educators Supported
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490+ services paid

Figures accurate as of March 2026. In 2023–24, the subsidies prioritised services in regional and remote areas and services with First Nations identifying educators.

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