Early childhood education and care is built on passion and for educators like Chelsea, Tonia and Andrea, that passion shines through every day in their work with children.
For Chelsea, the joy of her role comes from inspiring confidence in children just as her own teacher once inspired her. 'In Year 5, I had a really good teacher who encouraged me to be confident and do amazing things, now I want to do that for children.'
Andrea's journey began in high school when she discovered how much she loved working with young children through work experience at a kindergarten. 'It's always been a passion for me,' she says. 'Seeing the children every day, the smiles, their excitement to learn. It's heartwarming.'
Tonia, meanwhile, sees her work as deeply connected to community and inclusion.
'I think through my work I'm making a difference by supporting children, families and other educators. It's not just about teaching; it’s about nurturing everyone around you.'
The Qualifications Pathways Program scholarship pathway
All 3 educators share something in common, a transformative opportunity through the Qualifications Pathways Program (QPP). This scholarship supports educators to take the next step in their career through study, mentoring, financial assistance and other wrap around supports.
Chelsea recalls, 'originally, I was going to apply to TAFE or look around to upskill myself. Then I saw the scholarship opportunity and thought, why not? The QPP scholarship provided me an even better learning experience with the children and gave me the chance to grow professionally.'
For Tonia, QPP made what once felt impossible, possible. 'If it wasn't for the scholarship, I probably wouldn't have done my bachelor’s degree. Without that support, knowledge and guidance, I don’t think I would've made it.'
Tonia especially appreciated the practical support: 'Practicums were hard because you can't get paid, but the financial incentive really helped, plus the mentoring and study time made such a difference.'
Andrea echoes this sentiment. 'The QPP scholarship has been a great opportunity to further develop my career. It's helped me financially, let me upskill, and I even got an incentive when I completed my Certificate III. If someone's considering the scholarship, I'd say go for it.'
What is QPP?
The QPP is designed to support current educators through approved Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) qualifications in early childhood education. It offers financial assistance, paid study time, mentoring and a supportive learning environment.
By removing financial barriers and providing flexible study options, QPP bridges the gap between on-the-job experience and formal qualifications. Many educators, like Chelsea, have used the scholarship to balance study and work more effectively.
'The first year I chose paid study time at work, and the following year I chose to get paid while studying from home. The scholarship really helped me find financial stability and a better work–life balance,' Chelsea said.
Beyond the numbers and incentives lies a genuine investment in professional growth. Educators enrolled in QPP receive not only funding but also personal support through mentors, peers and training partners. As Tonia describes, 'The mentoring side of it was amazing—not just being mentored but supporting other educators as well. It helped me understand how to manage my time and fit in my study.'
QPP data shows that completion rates and satisfaction among participants are consistently high, with many progressing from Certificate III to Diploma, and even to Bachelor-level study. The scholarship doesn't just grow educators, it strengthens the quality of early learning programs across Queensland.
Getting involved with QPP
If you're an educator or someone considering a career in early childhood education, the QPP scholarship could unlock your potential for your next career move. Whether you're studying your first qualification, advancing to a diploma, or aiming for your degree, the program helps you learn, earn and grow all at once.
You'll gain access to:
- financial support for tuition (bachelor and graduate diploma qualifications only) and study related costs
- paid study time and support with practicum placements
- dedicated mentoring and practical guidance
- a workplace-based approach that develops real skills in real settings.
As Andrea puts it, 'QPP makes it easier to grow your career through your workplace. You're supported financially and learning in an environment you already love.'
For Chelsea, QPP has built confidence and leadership: 'I wasn't used to the study, but TAFE actually brought in a teacher for me to help understand the assignments and the teachers were able to connect with me and further my understanding of the assignments, which really helped me.'
'I feel more knowledgeable and capable. I can do the programming and planning and work more closely with the children.'
For Tonia, it brought both accomplishment and purpose: 'To graduate with my Bachelor feels good. If anyone's thinking about applying, I’d say do it, hands down, it’s an amazing tool and resource.'
And Andrea offers the simplest advice of all: 'Go for it. I don’t think the studying would’ve been possible without the scholarship.'
The Queensland Government continues to support early childhood education and care workers through the Queensland Early Childhood Workforce Strategy 2025–28 focussing on growing and retaining a high-quality workforce, strengthening support systems and modernising workforce approaches.
The Queensland Government's vision is one of a sustainable, qualified early childhood workforce who are recognised for their contribution to improving outcomes for children.
For more details on the programs available for educators entering the workforce or those interested in further training, please visit the workforce strategies page on the Queensland Early Childhood Education and Care website.