There are three different METRO traineeship programs, involving different time and financial commitments - all designed to encourage both trainee and trainer to be like Jesus, think like Jesus, and serve like Jesus.
METRO
2-year, partly funded, 18+ full-time traineeship.
Designed to give men and women a taste of full-time ministry experience at a local church.
Including... METRO Orientation, G8 Conference, MTS Challenge, METRO Social, METRO Graduation.
Applications for 2026 close 30/09.
YouthMETRO
1 year, 16+ part time traineeship (~4 hours weekly).
Focuses on ministry with youth or children within the local church and denominationally, particularly for young adults.
Including... METRO Orientation, PYV Summer Camp Intensive, Engage Leaders' Conference (18+ only), METRO Graduation.
Applications for 2026 close 19/10.
EquipMETRO
1 year, 18+ part time traineeship (~8 hours weekly).
Aims to give an adult of any age experience and training in ministry, with a flexible focus.
Including... METRO Orientation, Engage Leaders' Conference (18+ only), METRO Graduation.
Applications for 2026 close 19/10.
Applicant Requirements
METRO trainers and trainees are mandated to adhere to Victoria's Child Safe Standards. We are eager to do this, knowing that Jesus himself recognised the vulnerability of children and their value before God. As a ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (PCV), METRO reports to and receives guidance from the Safe Church Unit (SCU).
Safe Church policies are available here. If you have any Safe Church-related concerns about a METRO trainee or trainer, contact the SCU (📧 [email protected], 📞 0499 090 449).
Working With Children's Check (WWCC)
All applicants must hold a current WWCC. Volunteer cards can be obtained at no cost from Services Victoria.
Volunteer Approval Process (VAP)
All applicants must complete the VAP. This is the official screening process for everyone 18 years and over who volunteers/works with children within the PCV must complete and have approved before they can begin their role. This involves character references and proof of identification.
To complete the VAP, submit a completed Initial Registration & Role Description Form to your church's local Safe Church Representative.
Safe Church Basic Training
All applicants are required to have already completed or to complete Basic Training within a year of completing their VAP. This is recommended at the earliest opportunity.
All applicants are expected to read and be familiar with the Safe Church Policy, Procedure and Practice Manual.
Trainees under 18 Years
By legal definition, trainees 17 years and younger are themselves "children." As such:
- The trainee must not be left alone in the company of an adult (e.g. their trainer) unless in a public place (i.e. where other observers are present).
- Communication with the trainee should go through their parents/guardians (e.g. CC-ing the parents/guardians in an email or creating a group chat including the parents/guardians).
- The trainee must not be left the sole minder of other children.
Due to their leadership position within the church, trainees under the age of 18 are also required to complete a VAP (see above) and attend Safe Church Basic Training (with parental permission).
In order to complete the VAP, holding a current and valid WWCC is mandatory for all trainees. As an organisation, METRO is able to require trainees under the age of 18 to apply for a WWCC in line with METRO's Safe Church requirements.