The world of TAFE and training can lead to almost any kind of job you can imagine. Whether you're looking for a short course to dip your toe in the water or a complete qualification to follow your dream career there's heaps of options to suit your needs. Find out more:
» About TAFE and training
» Apprenticeships and traineeships
» TAFE courses
» Other training organisations
» Changes to the training system
» Where to get more information
About TAFE and training
TAFE and training can lead to all sorts of exciting jobs. You could become a make-up artist, a chef, a film animator, a chocolatier, a heavy vehicle mechanic or an aircraft maintenance engineer. The possibilities are endless!
You can do training courses at the level of Certificate I, II, III and IV, as well as Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas at TAFE institutes and other training organisations. There are more than 1,900 courses on offer. You can also do apprenticeships and traineeships. Training is flexible - some courses can even be done part-time. Online options are also available.
TAFE and training will help you secure a bright and exciting future. The courses make you work-ready from your first day on the job. So what are you waiting for?
Search for training courses on the TAFE Course Directory (new window)
Or read on to find out about the different training options available.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
In an apprenticeship or traineeship, you can learn skills in a particular industry by working and training on the job. More than 1,000 pathways are available in a wide range of industries.
An apprenticeship or traineeship is a training contract between an employer and an employee in which the apprentice or trainee learns the skills needed for a particular occupation or trade.
An apprenticeship or traineeship can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis and can be used as a valuable stepping stone to start a career in an industry you want to work in.
As an apprentice or trainee, you can:
- learn valuable, nationally recognised job skills
- get paid while learning
- combine formal training from a TAFE provider with workplace-based training
For more information on becoming an apprentice or a trainee, visit www.skills.vic.gov.au/apprentices (new window).
TAFE courses
TAFE institutes are Victoria’s largest public providers of vocational education and training (VET). TAFE leads to interesting and successful careers. From marketing and business to viticulture and sciences, there many courses to choose from.
As a TAFE student, you can learn specific, practical skills that will get you ready for work. Apprentices and trainees can also do their formal training at TAFE.
TAFE courses are designed and updated with help from industry leaders who may be your future employers. Courses are directly related to specific jobs and careers or apprenticeships and traineeships. They equip you to meet the changing demands of the workplace, while allowing you to get ahead in your career.
For more information on doing training at TAFE, visit www.skills.vic.gov.au/get_training/find-a-provider-or-university (new window).
Other training organisations
In Victoria, registered training organisations, other than TAFE, provide vocational education and training (VET).
Registered training organisations are authorised by Government to deliver training that is nationally recognised around Australia. They range from companies and industry and professional associations, to schools, TAFE institutes and Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) not-for-profit colleges. All must meet nationally recognised standards of quality.
For more information on registered training organisations, visit www.skills.vic.gov.au/get_training/find-a-provider-or-university (new window).
Changes to the training system
Changes to Victoria’s training system have created 172,000 new training places and more opportunities to get the skills you want.
If you are 15-19 years old you are eligible for a government funded training place at a TAFE institute or a large number of other training providers.
If you are 20-24 years old and want to study at a higher level than you have completed before, you are eligible for government funded training at a TAFE institute or a large number of other training providers.
A government funded training place enables you to study at a much lower cost. Citizenship and residency requirements apply.
If you are a registered job seeker wanting to study at a higher level than you have completed before, the cost of training will be even less (this does not apply to Diplomas or Advanced Diplomas).
For study at Diploma and Advanced Diploma level you may be able to apply for VET FEE HELP financial assistance from the Australian Government. Talk to your training provider.
Concessions are available for study at Certificate levels I-IV and for apprentices and trainees at any level. Tuition fees are also capped so there is a maximum you can pay in a year regardless of how much government subsidised training you do in that year.
To understand the changes and have your questions answered, check out the Securing Jobs for Your Future - Guide for Students brochure at www.skills.vic.gov.au/why_training/the-victorian-training-guarantee (new window).
Where to get more information
The Skills Victoria website has heaps more information on the different training options available. Visit www.skills.vic.gov.au (new window).
