Why do I need a Working with Children Check?
Students who are required to undertake a practical placement where they may need to engage with children must apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC).
This includes the following Phillips Institute courses:
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Depending on the placement organisation, students of the following courses may also need to apply for a WWCC – please check with student services office for more information about whether your placement organisation requires students to have a WWCC:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
- Certificate IV in Disability Support
How much will it cost?
There is no charge for the WWCC for volunteers, and as a student on placement, you should ensure you apply initially as a volunteer. Some placement organisations may require you to apply as an employee – for example, Monash Health. Our staff will advise you during enrolment if this is the case.
How do I apply?
You must apply online for this check yourself, as Phillips Institute cannot perform this check on your behalf.
Depending on processing time, the card you receive needs to be taken to all venues. Your application receipt should be carried with you to all venues until you receive the card.
Students in Victoria can apply online as a volunteer at the following website:
https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
When completing the online application, please ensure you provide your *Course code, Course name and Phillips Institute details to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.
*This is an Example of how to complete some of the details on the form:| Course code | Course title | Organisation |
| HLT33115 | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | Phillips Institute Level 1, 1060 Dandenong Road Carnegie Victoria 3163 |
Further details can be obtained by referring to the Working with Children Check Application Guide at the above website link.
What if my details change?
Holders of a WWCC have a responsibility to notify the government department within 21 days of any changes to their personal details as provided in your application, including the organisation you do child-related work for and their contact details.
For example, when you finish your student placement as a volunteer and then gain employment where you will need to use the WWCC card, you should update your details through the online application page at the above link.
I have an old card – can I use it?
Check at the online link above – you may be able to update your details online rather than make a new application.
I’m not a Victorian student – do I still need this?
WWCCs are required and issued under state and territory laws. The name of the check, requirements, and the application process is different in each state and territory. Students undertaking placements in states or territories other than Victoria should check the following link for further details
Find out who needs a WWCC and apply for one via the WWCC regulator in your state or territory: