The Australian Government is rolling out an exciting initiative, the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP), to support students in covering the costs of mandatory placements (practicums) in their higher education courses. Starting in July 2025, this new payment will provide essential financial assistance to those pursuing careers in teaching, nursing, midwifery, social work, and vocational education and training (VET).
A Positive Shift in Vocational Education Recent data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) reveals a noteworthy trend: VET qualification completion rates surged to 47.3% in 2023, up from just 41.4% in 2019. This increase reflects the Albanese Labor Government’s dedication to revitalising the VET sector, marked by significant investments that have already filled over 508,800 places through the Fee-Free TAFE program.
What is the Commonwealth Prac Payment?
From mid-2025, eligible students will receive $319.50 per week, benchmarked to the single Austudy rate, while undertaking practical placements. This means-tested payment is designed to support those who need it most, ensuring equitable access to valuable hands-on learning experiences. By collaborating with educational providers and other stakeholders, including First Nations communities, the Government plans to implement this assistance effectively.
Transforming Vocational Education with InPlace
In this evolving educational landscape, InPlace is committed to ensuring that student placements are not just effective but transformative. Our cloud-based platform streamlines the placement process, making it easier for institutions to provide impactful vocational experiences for students.
We prioritise your needs by actively seeking user feedback and hosting regular sessions to gather insights. This ongoing dialogue helps us enhance our services, ensuring that educational providers can maximise the benefits of the CPP.
Supporting Students with Financial Assistance: HECS and CPP
The CPP builds on the recent HECS reform proposals, together creating a stronger support framework for students. While HECS updates aim to ease the financial burden of tuition and manage student debt, CPP provides essential support for placement costs, enabling students to focus on gaining real-world experience. Both initiatives reflect a commitment to making higher education more accessible and ensuring students can fully engage with hands-on learning.
Why Choose InPlace?
Increased Employer Satisfaction: 85% of our users report improved employer satisfaction with student placements.
Boosted Graduate Employability: 75% believe vocational experiences significantly enhance employability, a crucial factor in today’s competitive job market.
Empowering Institutions: By integrating student placements into your programs, InPlace helps educational institutions become leaders in vocational education, preparing students for successful careers.
Join the Movement
Ready to elevate your student placement processes and help unlock your students’ full potential? Book a Demo with us! Together, we can create impactful learning experiences and shape the future of vocational education.
