Applications for the 2027 intake are now open.
Applications will close on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 11:59 pm.
About the Child Protection Employment program
The Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) is a paid program. The program gives eligible students hands on experience of what it is like to work in child protection.
Participants work in a structured and supportive learning environment. They work alongside experienced practitioners.
The program is a pathway into an entry level qualified Child Protection Practitioner level 3 (CPP3) position for participants who:
- successfully finish the program
- get the relevant qualifications.
Building futures in child protection
Watch the video to hear about the support program participants get in a typical day. To find out more about how participants are supported, see Program benefits below.
Time commitment
You can complete the program full time over 12 weeks or part time over 16 weeks.
The 2027 program will begin on Monday 8 February 2027.
Salary
CPEP / Child Protection Practitioner (CPP) level 2 (CPP2) salary for the 12 or 16 weeks in the program: you will be earning a salary equivalent of $64,626 plus superannuation (pro rata).
Location
There are opportunities at metropolitan and regional offices located across the state. You will be able to select your location preferences as part of the application process.
To see the full list of locations, visit Child protection jobs – locations.
Program eligibility
Roles in child protection have the Child Protection Practitioner (CPP) classification. Child Protection Employment Program is an entry pathway into a child protection practitioner 3 (CPP3) position, once the program is successfully completed.
To be eligible, you will need to be studying a qualification that meets the grade and entry requirements of a CPP3 position. For more information, visit requirements and eligibility.
For the 2027 program, applicants need to:
- be current students working towards qualification in social work, welfare, community, or behavioural (or similar)
- be due to complete their relevant qualification in 2027
- be available to work 3 to 5 days per week (7 hours and 36 minutes per day) for the duration of the program
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work permit or visa
- have a valid, current Australian driver's licence
- have (or be prepared to get) an employee Working with Children Check.
Child Protection Employment Program cannot be used as a student placement. If you are a current student interested in undertaking a student placement in child protection, please visit Child protection jobs – student placements.
Program benefits
As an employee of the Victorian Government, you will have access to a broad range of benefits. These include access to professional development opportunities through training programs, peer support networks and health initiatives.
Working in child protection, you will have access to a dedicated and free wellbeing and support program. This program is designed to support Child Protection Practitioner’s’ mental health and wellbeing.
Make the decision to pursue a fulfilling professional career and make a difference in at risk children and young peoples lives.
Learn more on the supporting our workforce page.
Hear from our participants
Jorgie's story
Jorgie ‘jumped on the chance’ to be involved in CPEP – a decision that has led to the start of a new and life changing career.
Lily’s story
Lily shared that the CPEP was an incredible opportunity to make real, positive differences in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Testimonials
The program was an incredibly valuable experience in understanding social work within a statutory framework. The opportunity to experience, learn and work in each phase helped me emerge as a new practitioner.
The program gives graduates a complete and realistic understanding of the child protection practitioner role. I got to experience different roles and responsibilities and gained the skillset to successfully start my career as a child protection practitioner.
The program gave me a ringside seat to the stressful, emotional and sometimes difficult work that the amazing practitioners do. I consider the CPEP to be the ideal start to this career.
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