Knowing what to do after leaving high school can be pretty tricky. With so many options out there it can be overwhelming thinking of the possibilities, but this can be exciting too!
TAFE, which stands for Technical And Further Education, is an option that allows you to further your education and training, usually with a more ‘hands-on’ and practical approach than you might find studying at University. There are so many different courses with TAFE, from Early Childhood Education to Commercial Cookery, there is something for every pathway. TAFE can also be a pathway into university, expanding your knowledge and gaining skills and qualifications along the way.
What does TAFE offer?
TAFE is an appealing option for many people wanting to gain skills and qualifications to help gain employment in the industry they are interested in. There are many benefits of furthering your education through TAFE as it:
- Provides flexibility for study and training offering full-time, part-time, flexible, distance and online modes of learning
- Has practical, ‘hands-on’ courses to gain skills and qualifications for a wide range of industries
- Offers a wide range of qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and degrees
- Some TAFE institutes offer Higher Education (university-equivalent) qualifications
- Gives you the opportunity to complete your secondary school studies
- Allows you to earn and learn on the job through an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Can provide a pathway into university and other further studies and training
- Is affordable and in some cases free!
How to choose the TAFE course for you
Choosing a course that suits your interests and will give you the skills you need for your future career choices can seem a little daunting. Some courses might just jump out at you, while others might require some more research.
The most important thing is to look at courses that interest you and the skills you’d like to develop. To find a subject or course you can study at TAFE check out My Skills and the links for each state and territory in the ‘how to apply’ section below.
What is an apprenticeship?
You might like the idea of TAFE if you’re interested in gaining qualifications and skills while also getting the experience to work and earn money through an apprenticeship or a traineeship. An apprenticeship is a training contract between you and an employer, that is relayed through a TAFE or training provider. It means you will learn the skills of a particular occupation or trade whilst working. That’s right, you get paid to learn!
Apprenticeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based, so there is an arrangement that suits your needs. There are over 500 different types of jobs you can do an apprenticeship in, check out Australian Apprenticeships to find out more.
Why choose an apprenticeship or traineeship?
An apprenticeship is a great way to undertake training and earn money at the same time; you may even receive a nationally recognised qualification (Certificates II, III and IV are recognised all over Australia). You can combine formal training from a TAFE or private training institute with your work-based training, and because you are an employee you have the same rights as any other employee.
An apprenticeship or traineeship will also give you lifelong skills. It may give you the opportunity to travel interstate or overseas and increase your job security and career development.
How do I get started?
There are lots of different ways to start an apprenticeship or traineeship, you can apply for apprenticeships in the same way you would apply for another job or through a TAFE course. To find out more you can look at the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network or call Apprenticeships Matter on 1800 005 355 for advice.
How to apply for a TAFE or training course:
- ACT: Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
- NSW: TAFE NSW
- NT: Apply to Charles Darwin University or to Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
- QLD: TAFE QLD
- SA: TAFE SA
- TAS: TAFE TAS
- VIC: TAFE VICTORIA and Free TAFE
- WA: Education and Training WA
