Express your interest: Certificate IV in Leadership and Management courses

Cert IV in Leadership and Management program participants

 

We are excited to announce the opening of the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the April and August 2027 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management courses.

 

Expressions of interest close 15 June 2026.  

This course is an integral part of the Volunteer Leadership Development (VLD) Program.

This nationally-accredited course equips graduates with transferable skills in essential leadership and management, enabling them to apply their knowledge across various roles, including those in CFA, the private sector and community roles. 

Whether you are an existing leader seeking further training or a formal qualification, or an aspiring leader looking to formalise your qualifications, this program offers a clear pathway to enhance your capabilities.

Course details

Duration: 12-month program. The high danger risk period December to February, inclusive, has minimal course work to allow volunteers to be available to perform their primary CFA roles as required.

Delivery format: The course will be predominantly online and self-paced, allowing flexibility for participants. Additionally, there will be four sets of face-to-face weekend workshops and a number of virtual workshops scheduled throughout the program, culminating with a face-to-face graduation.

Project work: Participants will engage in project work staggered throughout the entire program, as part of the Undertake Project Work unit. This practical experience will provide valuable application of leadership principles.

The EOI is an invitation for highly-motivated volunteers who have:

• the capacity to complete the Certificate IV workload, averaging out to about 10 hours per week
• can commit to the program and coursework considering family, work, sport and other commitments they might have
• are motivated to apply the learning into their current or future CFA leadership role.

We are looking for existing and aspiring leaders

If you currently hold a leadership position within CFA, this program offers an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills and gain a formal qualification.

If you aspire to progress into leadership roles, submitting an EOI for this course is a strategic step toward achieving your goals.

What do participants have to say to those who want to apply?

"Go for it with your eyes wide open. It’s not just about completing assessments it’s about stretching your thinking, building a LOT of self-awareness, and learning how to lead when it’s uncomfortable. If you’ve got a full plate of kids, work, brigade commitments, advocacy know that it’s possible with discipline and support."

"To commit to applying what you learn in real time. It makes the content far more meaningful."

"Treat it as an opportunity to challenge how you currently lead, not just tick off assignments. The more effort you put into applying the concepts, the more you’ll get out of it."

"Do it, great networking opportunity, flexible course and highly contextualised well worth it."

"Take every opportunity along the way, the more you surrender to the process and allow yourself to learn, the more you will grow, just go for it."

"Fully engage with the course and be open to reflecting on your own leadership style and communication approaches. The practical skills and strategies are highly transferable and can make a real difference in both volunteer and workplace environments.

"Attending all of the online workshops was key to being engaged with both the learning material and the other participants. Staying organised and keeping on top of assessments helps keep you moving through the course on a timely manner."

"The learning outcomes from this course should be the foundation for every Brigade leader, irrespective of age, experience or tenure.  This course is about practical outcomes that when applied have the potential to shift the performance and perceptions of the Brigade and the entire organisation."

Application process
The EOI is open for those interested in participating in the April or August 2027 courses. Go to Cert IV in Leadership and Management - for Volunteers Commencing 2027.  

EOI close on 15 June 2026.  For those who have had prior notification of their acceptance into future groups, there is no need to reapply.

About the VLD Program

The VLD Program aims to strengthen and enhance volunteer leadership capability by providing a VLD Framework containing a suite of inter-connected leadership development opportunities. Some of these opportunities include the Leadership Essentials courses, the Regional Leadership Scholarship Program, the Women in Leadership Mentoring Program and the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. 

More information

For additional details, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions. You can also email the Organisational Development team at vld@cfa.vic.gov.au 

We strongly encourage all eligible volunteers to express their interest and embark on this significant journey toward developing life-long leadership skills.

 

Submitted by	Val Conduit