The Australian Education Union (AEU) has welcomed the commencement of the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP), a much-needed investment in the future of Australia’s teaching workforce.

From 1 July, teaching students undertaking mandatory practical experience placements will receive financial support from the federal government.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said that the AEU had campaigned for the introduction of a teaching practicum payment scheme to help support initial teacher education students with the costs of their practicum placements, address teacher shortages and improve attraction and retention provisions.

“For many student teachers, the weeks of unpaid classroom practical time carries a significant financial burden and acts as a disincentive and a barrier for the completion of their degrees,“ Ms Haythorpe said.

The CCP marks a significant win for student teachers, the teaching profession and the future of public education.

“This is an important investment in the future of Australia’s teaching workforce and recognises the value of teaching and teacher education, and the barrier that placement poverty can create for students,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“Teaching is a demanding, highly-skilled profession. By backing Australia’s student teachers with financial support, the Albanese Government is helping to ensure a strong, sustainable pipeline of teachers for public schools.

“For too long, teaching students have been forced to take on unpaid practical placements, often for weeks at a time, without any financial support. It’s been a major barrier to entering the profession, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The payment will also have a particular impact in regional and remote areas, where teacher shortages are most acute. Removing the financial barrier to completing placements will help increase the number and diversity of teaching graduates, particularly in areas that need them most.”

The AEU will continue working with governments to improve initial teacher education, increase retention and encourage more people to the profession.

“Paying student teachers for their work is just one part of the solution, we also need to invest in ongoing professional development, address escalating teacher workloads, and ensure that all public schools are well-resourced,” Ms Haythorpe said.