Going back to study at TAFE

Going back to study can have positive effects, enhancing career prospects, facing challenges and building self confidence along the way. You may be returning to study for an advanced qualification,  upskilling, reskilling, or hands-on learning for a new job or career development. We will guide you through the exciting prospect of going back to study after a break, explain how to return to study, motivations for going back to study,  types of courses available, and study tips.

How to go about returning to study at TAFE?

When returning to study at TAFE, the first thing to consider is what type of course you need to do and how to go about it. Often this will relate to a choice between secondary and tertiary study, which both offer different certificates and study areas.

Secondary study

If you haven't completed year 12, you can go back to study VCE or VCE VM at TAFE. The VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) is a senior secondary certificate for adults. It is an online, one-year full-time program that can be completed part-time if required. VCE can open the door to university, higher-level TAFE or VET certificate courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and the workforce. VCE is more of a traditional academic pathway that can lead to higher education.

VCE VM (VCE vocational major) is a two-year program within the VCE that focuses more on practical skills and preparing students for traineeships and apprenticeships. The course structure includes literacy and numeracy with a focus on work related and personal development skills in preparation for the workforce.

When returning to study VCE or VCE VM as an adult you must meet these criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age at January 1 on year of enrolment
• Have not undertaken any full-time secondary schooling in the full year preceding the first year of enrolment.

Tertiary study

If you want to do tertiary study upon returning to study you can apply through TAFE or Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

To apply through TAFE, go to the TAFE website and find a course that suits you. Read the entry requirements and then fill out an application form online. Supply the documentation that is required like proof of eligibility and proof of citizenship. Then submit your application. To apply for a TAFE course through VTAC, complete an online application on the VTAC website.

Returning to study as a mature age student

It is common to return to study as a mature age student, which means you are over 21 years of age and have been away from study for an extended period of time. For those who qualify as a mature age student, there are a wide variety of courses available from apprenticeships, to certificates, diplomas and Free TAFE. If you have never completed year 12, you may want to start by completing your secondary education with a VCE or VCE VM course.

Going back to study as a mature age student opens the door to career advancement or career change. To apply as a mature age student, find a course that suits your needs, ensure you meet entry criteria, check funding eligibility and submit your application through the TAFE Gippsland website.

Flexible options for going back to study

There are some flexible options for going back to study that can help balance work and life as you return to being a student. For a smoother transition when returning to study, consider some of these choices.

• Free TAFE: This government initiative is a great way to get back into study without having to be concerned about finances. Free TAFE courses provide the opportunity for free learning in high demand skill areas like IT, hospitality, childcare, construction, aged and disability care, and manufacturing.  When you graduate from a course in a high priority area, job prospects are greatly improved.  Free TAFE offers hands-on training with over 40 courses at TAFE Gippsland. Free TAFE courses range from Certificate II in Agriculture and Certificate III in Hospitality (Training) to Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and Diploma of Childhood Education and Care.
• Online study: TAFE has a wide range of online study options with the high quality of training you would expect from on-campus courses. Online study allows you to study at your own pace and still be able to balance your home and work commitments. Online study courses range from business and accounting to mental health and contracting. There are online courses to enhance your existing skills and those to help start a new career.
• Short courses: A short course will give you the opportunity to return to study without an extended time commitment. Short courses allow you to hone your skills and expertise in your own time with courses lasting from days to weeks. By doing a short course, you can dip your toe in the water of returning to study, build confidence, and explore new interests. Short courses cover everything from hair and beauty to construction, business and plumbing.
• Certificates: Certificates are another option for a seamless transition back to study. They can be done on a part-time basis so other work and family responsibilities are easy to juggle.

Factors to consider when going back to study

When going back to study, there are some factors that need to be taken into account to make the right choice. Your motivations and personal situation will have a significant impact on whether returning to study is right for you, and the type of course you choose. When contemplating returning to study, consider these factors:

• Budget: Think about how much the course is going to cost you and check out the options available for keeping costs down. To assist students and make returning to study more affordable, TAFE has options to help with fees. There are student loans, payment plans and government-funded courses. There are also plenty of Free TAFE courses available, as well as loans and scholarships to keep costs to a minimum.
• Timing: Evaluate your schedule and commitments outside of studying to make sure you have time to devote to returning to study. The amount of time it will take up is dependent on the course you choose, and online options for study. Some courses may only require a few hours a week while others will be a full-time commitment. If you have small children or work full-time, you may have to study part-time for the first year or put into place strategies for balancing study and other commitments.
• Motivation: Examine your motivation for wanting to return to study and whether the course will fulfill your long-term goals. Studying can be challenging and when you may have to balance other responsibilities, it is important to be mindful of the reason for returning to study in the first place.
• Self improvement: One motivation for returning to study can be self improvement. Whether that is to attain personal goals or to advance in the workplace, self improvement is a strong motivator for returning to study. Choose a course that keeps your desire for self improvement in mind.
• Cognitive interest: Perhaps the motivation for returning to study is to stimulate your mind. One way to enjoy life and stay motivated is to take on mental challenges by furthering knowledge. Consider if your motivation is to challenge yourself when choosing a course of study.
• Career goals: A common reason for returning to study is to further your career. Consider if you are returning to advance your career in the same industry or if you would like a change of career when choosing a course to study.
• Personal learning style: How you learn should impact the type of course you choose. Some people learn well online and are self motivated to study. Others need the discipline of on campus classes, while others learn better on the job at an apprenticeship or traineeship. Think about your personal learning style to help you decide the type of course you need.

How to choose the right TAFE course?

With so many courses available, it can sometimes be difficult to decide on the right one for you. When choosing a TAFE course, think about your motives for going back to study and then look at the courses that are applicable. These three steps will help you choose.

1. Start with the end in mind: Think seriously about where you want this course to take you. Perhaps you want to upskill and change careers for a higher income. Perhaps you want to start your own business or just simply improve your employability. Maybe you want to advance your knowledge of the world. Whatever your reasons for returning to study, it is important to think of the end goal when choosing a TAFE course.
2. Practicality: Next it is time to be practical. This means considering budget, time constraints and location. If the course is hours away and on campus, travel may be an issue. For those with responsibilities like children or a job, the time you have to study may be limited. Examine costs of the course in a realistic manner. While there are several avenues that can help with TAFE fees, it is important to understand the costs involved to help choose the right course that will suit your budget.
3. Do your research: With all of these factors in mind, you will be able to start researching the right type of course for you. To find a course, simply go to the TAFE website and identify areas of study that suit your skills and interests. Click on the area of study and you will see the courses that are applicable. Each one has a description of the course, eligibility and prerequisites, and course location. Choose a course that suits your skills, goals and practical situation and fill out an online application form.

Top tips for studying after a long time

When you haven’t studied for a long time, it can be hard to know where to start. These tips can help you get back into study mode and make the transition smoother.

• Set achievable goals: When you set achievable goals it is a way to break down the amount of work needed, control and prioritise. One way to set achievable goals is to use the SMART method. This is the acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. Using this technique you will be able to make sure goals are clear, can be achieved in the timeframe, and relevant to what you are trying to achieve.
• Set up a study space: Have a designated study space. This might be an area within the home with good natural light, a room away from the family, or even using your bedroom. The main priority is to make sure you have everything you need to study in this area–pens, chargers, notebooks, laptops, monitors, and access to power points. Having a designated space for study will help you focus on studying and minimise distractions.
• Get organised: Have a calendar with deadlines, classes and assignments to make sure  you know when assessments are due. By being organised you will eliminate the stress of feeling overwhelmed by the workload and expectations. To help get organised, look through the course workbook at the start of the course to see what important dates and deadlines need to be recorded in your calendar.
• Study at a set time: Studying at a set time ensures that you have a study routine. This will help you be consistent with studying and will be designed around your lifestyle and commitments. Make sure you account for regular study breaks during your study period to allow your brain to process information.
• Ask advice from teachers: Teachers are there to support you and help you achieve your study goals. Set up a meeting with your teacher to find out how you can become more productive when returning to study. Be specific with your questions and the teacher may  be able to clarify any study issues and help create a more conducive learning environment.

Benefits of going back to study

There are many benefits that can be gained from stepping back into the classroom. These include:

• Enhance career prospects: Going back to study equips students with the tools to enhance their career prospects. Whether you want to advance in your current role, or change to a whole different career, studying is the best step towards achieving that goal.
• Immerse yourself in a whole new study area: Returning to study means you can immerse yourself in a whole new area of study. You can explore different subjects, taking into account your interests and passions. It is a chance to gain further knowledge of subjects and expand your mind.
• Meet like minded people: Engaging with people who have the same interests as you is an exciting thing to do. When you return to study you are expanding your network and meeting like minded people.
• Gain self confidence and achieve personal goals: Returning to study is an excellent way to gain self confidence and achieve personal goals. When you step out of your comfort zone by going back to school, you have to test your courage. Achieving these goals helps you believe in your own abilities and feel more confident.
• Greater financial opportunities: By furthering your education, you open the door to potential income opportunities. Education and qualifications are an important factor when it comes to employment and remuneration prospects.

Going back to study at TAFE is an exciting time with many opportunities and it is easy to apply! Simply by looking online to find a course you like and filling out the application, you can find yourself on the way to starting a new course. For further information on returning to study, contact the team at TAFE Gippsland who are here to help you every step of the way.