When you’re choosing what you want to do with the rest of your life, it’s important to take certain things into account. You want job security, personal growth and high employment rates to ensure you’re protected through any future recessions.

female job searching on laptop

Whether you’re looking to upskill or start a new career, let’s take a look at the top jobs that you can start studying towards now.

Trades

Everyone everywhere will always need trades people. From builders and plumbers to construction managers, there is high demand for skilled people across residential, commercial and industrial projects.

There are also Free TAFE courses available in plumbing and building and construction due to the high demand for specialists in the industry.

At TAFE Gippsland, we have multiple study pathways for those seeking to advance a career in trades, including:

Registered nurses

It’s safe to say that there will never be a world in which we don’t need nurses. The ageing population is placing considerable strain on the health industry, increasing the demand for nurses. People value their wellbeing, and they will invest in services that reduce pain and improve their quality of life.

If you’ve completed a pathway qualification under Free TAFE, for example, a Certificate III in Individual Support, you can go on to do another Free TAFE course in the same pathway!

By completing a Diploma of Nursing, you can stay ahead of the technological advances in the field and pursue a career with excellent job security, further pathways and benefits.

tafe gippsland nursing students

Aged care

If you’re looking for dependable and fulfilling work, aged care is a rewarding career with guaranteed prospects. According to the ABS, Australia's aging population will only grow, with the number of Australians aged 85 and over expected to double by 2042.

Aged care workers are in high demand due to the global pandemic and ageing population, with many entry-level opportunities available. These opportunities may include residential and in-home care allowing you a greater breadth of choice.

At TAFE Gippsland, we offer various pathways into aged care with differing study loads and delivery methods depending on your individual needs.

The entry-level pathway into aged care, the Certificate III in Individual Support is offered as a Free TAFE course, and will prepare you for work at aged care facilities, home and community care environments and hospice facilities. This also provides a pathway to further study including Diploma of Nursing to further your career whilst working at the same time.

Other Free TAFE courses offered in this pathway include:

Social services managers

A social services manager is responsible for overseeing a social services department for the government or a private medical facility. They provide services to aid healing processes and improve the standard of living for their clients. This field is expected to grow substantially over the next five years, with many jobs being created or opening due to other workers leaving.

The need for social services managers continues to grow due to the focus our modern society is placing on quality of life for all. Skilled workers are needed to find solutions to problems and offer support to people who truly need it. Free TAFE courses are available to those who choose to study a Certificate IV in Community Services.

Other Free TAFE courses available in the same pathway are:

Early childhood educators

If you think the vocational voice of early childhood is calling you, then you should consider answering for a variety of reasons.

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee has projected that the sector expects to experience strong growth over the next five years, with employability to increase by nearly 142,100 by 2026, so you can be assured of a healthy employment outlook.

You’ll also be able to select from multiple career opportunities or pathways to further study. Taking your career further could mean completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood, with a university provider, to move into the teaching sector. We will work with you to prepare for this step if it’s something you choose to do later on.

Learn more about our courses in this pathway.

tafe gippsland early childhood student

Software and applications programmers

Software, web and app developers are always in high demand, with the potential for you to earn a great living doing what you love.

There is no better time to commence your studies in this exciting and diverse industry, as the Certificate III in Information Technology will be offered as Free TAFE for students who enrol in 2023.

Accounting and bookkeeping

Good accountancy is at the heart of every successful business – small, medium or large.

Our Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping offers extensive pathways into the industry. You’ll be qualified for a variety of job roles in small business as well as bigger organisations like health care and hospitals, education, local government and schools.

Take your career further and pathway into a Diploma of Accounting, also offered as a Free TAFE course if you’ve completed the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Find in-demand courses with pathways at TAFE Gippsland

With the introduction of free education aimed at combating the current skills shortages in a range of industries, it’s never been easier to study. You can browse the complete list of Free TAFE courses here.

Get in touch with a team member from TAFE Gippsland to find the right qualification for your future pathway. You can call us on 1300 475 146 or make an enquiry online.