There are so many study and training options around now that the choice can be a bit bewildering. From TAFE, university and short courses to high school and apprenticeships, this page can help you make the choice that's right for you.
Secondary school
Once you hit year 11 and 12, you'll have to choose between the following options:
- The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), which is an internationally recognised qualification that is awarded for work done in years 11 and 12. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) (new window) provides a good overview of the structure of the VCE, plus other helpful information
- The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), which provides a pathway into further education, training and employment. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) (new window) has some good information about VCAL
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the VCE. Students can choose to complete a VCE VET program as part of their VCE. VCE VET programs provide students with pathways to university, TAFE, further training and the workplace. The VE&T Way to Go website (new window) has more information about VCE VET programs
TAFE
TAFE focuses on courses that teach specific, practical work-oriented skills, as opposed to the longer, more theoretically based courses offered at universities. From 2005, TAFE will also offer Bachelor Degrees in some areas including viticulture, aquaculture, music and computer systems. The Victorian TAFE Courses Directory has a comprehensive database (new window) of courses offered in Victoria . There's sure to be a course to suit your interests.
The Office of Training and Tertiary Education (OTTE) has a list of all Victorian TAFE providers (new window), but if the course you are interested in isn't located near you, you should check out the TAFE Virtual Campus (TAFEVC) (new window) which has been set up to allow you to study some TAFE courses over the internet.
Short courses & adult education
Whether it's to pursue a hobby or to help you improve your career prospects, short courses can be loads of fun and help you develop skills & knowledge in a particular area. The Short Courses Victoria (new window) site has heaps of courses listed and you can search for these by course providers or area of interest.
Distance education
Sometimes the school that you want to go to isn't located anywhere near where you live. Studying by distance education has the advantage of not requiring you to move in order to obtain further qualifications. You can also manage your own time and fit study around your other commitments.
The Distance Education Centre of Victoria (new window) provides schooling for students from prep to Year 12. For older students, TAFE Virtual Campus (TAFE VC) has a wide range of courses (new window) available for online delivery in Victoria .
University
Going on to further study at university has a lot of advantages. The knowledge that you will gain while studying at uni can help lead you into lots of different careers. The Education Network Australian (EdNA) has a list of links to all Victorian Universities (new window), accompanied by a brief overview of the university and the courses it offers. If the university course that you want to study isn't anywhere near you, and moving isn't an option, Open Learning Australia (new window) is an organisation supported by various Australian universities that allows you to study for your degree by correspondence, or over the Internet.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are another way to get the kind of training that you can use to follow your chosen career path. The Office of Training and Tertiary Education (OTTE) website has a good overview of how to become an apprentice or trainee (new window) - how to find an employer/trainer, and what sort of experiences you can expect.
The New Apprenticeships (new window) program has been set up by the Federal Government to help out people who are looking for apprenticeships or who just want to know more about the kind of training that's available.
Links
Distance Education Victoria
The leading provider of secondary education and support programs for secondary students via distance education.
New Apprenticeships Training Info Centre
A searchable database of apprenticeships currently available nationally.
Open Learning Australia
Browse the course guide and find out more about how to obtain your degree through distance education.
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Information and inks to Victorian education-related organisations, and includes specialist information for secondary students about their studies.
TAFE Courses Directory
The Victorian government's comprehensive guide to all TAFE courses offered in Victoria .
Victorian Higher Education
Provides information about higher education in Victoria, with information for current students and people starting to think about going to university.
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
Features a comprehensive list of universities and university courses in Victoria and details the application process.
Year 12 - What Next?
If you're nearing the end of high school and want to start looking at what's around the corner, e.g. training, courses or jobs, this site's a great place to start.
