About the Child Protection Employment program
The Child Protection Employment Program (CPEP) is a paid program. The program helps eligible students and graduates experience 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 3 (CPP3) position for participants who:
- successfully finish the program
- get the relevant qualifications.
Salary
CPEP / child protection practitioner 2 (CPP2) salary: you will be earning a salary equivalent of $62,742 plus superannuation (pro rata) for the 12 or 16 weeks.
Time commitment
You can complete the program full time over 12 weeks or part time over 16 weeks.
The program offers 2 start dates – in January 2026 and March 2026. You can choose the start date that best suits you.
If you're applying to work in one of our regional Victorian locations and would like to start earlier, the program will try to accommodate you
Location
There are opportunities at metropolitan and regional offices located across the state.
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. CPEP is an entry pathway into a child protection practitioner 3 (CPP3) position.
To be eligible, you will need to have studied or be studying a qualification that meets the grade and entry requirements of a CPP3 position. For more information, visit requirements and eligibility.
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 (2025) or future graduate in your final year of study (due to complete your relevant qualification by January 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.
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.
Program benefits
As Victorian government employees, CPEP participants will have a broad range of benefits. These include professional development and wellbeing support.
Learn more on the supporting our workforce page.
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