Applications for the 2025 Child Protection Employment Program have closed.
Applications for the 2026 program will open in July 2025 and updates will be posted here.
The Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) is a paid employment program where participants experience what it is like to work in child protection.
Program participants work in a structured and supportive learning environment alongside experienced practitioners to gain a valuable understanding of the child protection role.
About the program
This is a paid 12-week full-time or 16-week part-time program. As paid employees, you are eligible to access the range of benefits and entitlements available to employees.
Each year, the program offers two commencement dates in January and March, with successful candidates able to select the date that best suits them.
CPEP/CPP2 Salary: You will be earning a salary equivalent of $62,742 plus superannuation (pro rata) for the 12 or 16 weeks.
Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining the relevant qualifications, participants may progress into an entry-level qualified child protection practitioner role at the CPP3 level.
Program eligibility
Please note: roles in child protection are classified by the Child Protection Practitioner (CPP) classification. The CPEP program is an entry pathway into a qualified, CPP3 position, therefore, candidates will need to have or be studying a qualification that meets the grade and entry requirements of a CPP3 position as outlined on the requirements and eligibility page.
To apply for the program, you will need to:
- have completed or currently be studying a social work, welfare, community, or behavioural qualification/s (or similar)
- be a recent graduate or in your penultimate year of study during the program
- be available to work 3 to 5 days per week (7 hours, 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.
Opportunities are available at both metropolitan and regional offices located across state.
To check the full list of locations, go to the child protection jobs – locations page.
Program benefits
As a Victorian government employee 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. Learn more on the supporting our workforce page.
Make the decision to pursue a fulfilling professional career and make a difference in vulnerable children's lives.
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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