What TAFE course should I do?

Deciding what TAFE course to do depends on a variety of factors such as your career goals, personal interests and even job prospects. Some people choose TAFE courses based on the highest paying roles. Others commit to a course because of location, affordability or flexibility. TAFE offers practical, hands-on training that ranges from short courses to diplomas. With over 200 courses available, you can study in disciplines such as health and community, finance, beauty and trades to name a few. There are even a wide range of free TAFE courses to choose from. When finding the right TAFE course to pursue, choose one that aligns with your interests, strengths, previous experience and future aspirations for satisfaction and success in the workplace.

Types of TAFE courses

TAFE offers a plethora of learning opportunities with apprenticeship and traineeships, short courses, diplomas and certificates in different levels. Courses at TAFE cover a wide array of industries from healthcare, community services and childcare to construction, animal sciences and digital technology. The types of qualifications, study areas, and types of learning you can do at TAFE include:

Types of qualifications

• Certificate level: There are four levels of certificates at TAFE from Certificate I to Certificate IV. Maritime Operations is a Certificate I which teaches maritime skills and delivers basic vocational skills and knowledge. Certificate II courses which train participants for entry-level positions or apprenticeships. Certificate III, on the other hand, develops more advanced skills for specific career paths and Certificate IV is designed for specialist positions.
• Diploma level: A diploma level qualification prepares students for more advanced careers with complex skills and knowledge for expertise in specific areas. Diplomas offer practical skills and industry aligned credentials and are a clear pathway for career progression.
• Advanced Diploma: An advanced diploma offers a higher level of qualification that teaches expertise in a professional, technical or creative field. This level qualification can also offer a pathway to a bachelor degree.
• Apprenticeship and traineeship: Apprenticeships and traineeships offer a gateway to a variety of jobs in almost any field of employment. Both offer hands-on learning and theoretical knowledge while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships provide training in a skilled trade while traineeships provide training in a vocational area.
• VET courses: VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) programs are a way for students to gain vocational qualifications while still at school. These courses, which vary from plumbing and animal sciences to hospitality, provide a head start on careers. During a VET course, students gain practical experience and create pathways for further study.

Study areas

• Trades and building: Trades and building are among the most common and in-demand subjects at TAFE covering construction, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work.
• Creative and design: Creative and design courses at TAFE include digital content and photography, professional writing and editing and cultural arts. They provide practical and efficient training for those looking to a career in the creative field.
• Health and community services: This sector offers a variety of health and community services from aged care and disability to youth work, support work and nursing.
• Hospitality and cooking: TAFE offers courses in hospitality and cooking such as cookery, hospitality and kitchen management.
• Business and IT: The large number of courses in business and IT at TAFE include areas such as accounting, marketing, bookkeeping, programming and business finance.
• Agriculture: TAFE offers a range of agricultural courses, from traineeships like the Certificate II in Agriculture through to a Diploma of Agriculture, opening pathways to careers in farming and agronomy.
• Maritime: There is a range of maritime courses from certificates to short courses. Each maritime course is tailored to students with different existing levels of proficiency for work in the maritime industry.
• Animal sciences: For those wanting to work with animals, TAFE has a range of courses in the animal sciences. Careers from the animal science sector include pet exerciser or trainer, animal shelter assistant, animal welfare officer or veterinary attendant.
• Early Childhood Education: TAFE offers courses in early childhood and education for those wanting to pursue a career working in schools and other educational institutions.
• Food and fibre, forestry: For those wanting to work in the agricultural sector or food production, this study area offers certificates and diplomas.
• Hair, beauty and makeup: A TAFE hair, beauty and makeup course provides skills for roles like salon stylist, makeup artist, beauty therapist, nail technician, or skin consultant.
• Security operations: If you are looking to work in the security industry, TAFE offers courses that prepare for roles in high-security environments like airports, corporate offices, and events.

Types of learning

• Short courses: For those wanting quick training for specific, in-demand skills, TAFE offers a variety of short courses. These range from courses in hair and beauty to construction, business and automotive.
• Online courses: From accounting and business to electrical contracting or mental health, TAFE offers online courses to build on existing skills or start a fresh new career.
• Free TAFE: There are more than 40 free TAFE courses on offer at TAFE Gippsland. These enable students to obtain skills without tuition costs.

5 Best TAFE courses to get a job

When considering which TAFE course to choose, it is common to look for high paying or in-demand jobs. The best TAFE courses to get a job are:

Certificate IV in Building and Construction

Building and construction is one of the highest paying and most in demand jobs. To work as a construction manager, a Certificate IV in Building and Construction is required. This one-year course is ideal for construction workers wanting to work in supervisory or management areas. This course teaches skills in site management and provides in depth understanding of structural principles, building codes, standards and legal requirements crucial for modern construction projects.

Certificate III in Plumbing Apprenticeship

Qualified plumbers have a good earning potential and the trade is always in demand. To become a plumber, it’s a three-year apprenticeship that teaches skills in welding, water supply, draining, roofing and gas fitting.

Certificate III in Electrotechnology

Electricians are responsible for installing and repairing residential and commercial electrical systems. This lucrative career path begins with a four-year apprenticeship. This course teaches students to install, set up, fault find, repair and maintain electrical wiring and systems.

Certificate III in Information Technology

To work in the sought after field of information technology, begin with the Certificate III in Information Technology. This course gives students the skills to become an IT technician or help desk officer. This TAFE course provides practical skills like software support and programming techniques that can lead into in-demand jobs.

Diploma of Leadership and Management

Career advancement and higher level roles can be achieved with the Diploma of Leadership and Management. This 18-month course teaches how to lead a successful team, effective communication skills, time and performance management and how to manage finances. It directly leads to higher level roles with greater responsibilities such as managers and team leaders.

How to choose a TAFE course

1. Think about what you are good at, your interests and strengths: Take into account everything from academic interests to hands-on skills. If you like working with children, you may want to consider a course in early childhood development. If you like using your hands, a course like plumbing or carpentry could be ideal.
2. Consider previous qualifications: Previous qualifications can affect the type of course you choose. Many courses have entry requirements for prior education like year 10, 11 or 12. Previous learning can help with career pathway choices. For example, if you have completed a trade apprenticeship, you might consider further study like a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to become a trainer. Some courses also take into account recognition of prior learning and can help reduce course time.
3. Consider your work experience: Make a list of jobs you have done in the past, whether full time, part time or voluntary. Working in specific roles gives hands-on experience of a job, and helps to determine if a career path is right for you before committing to a course.
4. Think about your motivation: Understand your motivation for study to help choose a course that aligns with your goals and expectations. Motivation is the driving force behind the type of course you choose. You might be studying for career advancement, higher income or personal development. You may be time poor and want a course that is flexible.
5. Consider the budget: Understanding your budget is important when choosing a course to ensure you can afford tuition fees and any extras like materials, travel or living expenses. Check the specific course page for an estimated fee as costs vary by course and funding eligibility. There are avenues to help with TAFE fees like Free TAFE which covers tuition fees for eligible students and the Victorian Training Guarantee which contributes to fees for eligible employees.
6. Think about your personal circumstances: When choosing a course consider your personal circumstances like  time constraints, location or entry requirements. For those with a job or family commitments, a part-time course might be the best option. For those who live far away from a campus, online study may be more practical.
7. Research different courses: With your interests, motivation and personal circumstances in mind, start researching courses that align with your goals. Go to the TAFE website and look up courses in your desired field of study. Examine the course structure and content to see course duration, location and learning style to make sure it fits with your preferences. Check to see if you meet the prerequisites or investigate other pathways if you don’t. Look at potential career outcomes and industry demand as this will directly impact job prospects.
8. Attend information sessions: By attending information sessions, you can have direct interaction with teachers and first hand information on course content, job options and study pathways. Many information sessions include campus tours and some offer assistance with the application process.
9. Submit application: Once you decide to apply, it is important to check the  application deadline and double check you fulfill the prerequisites. Collect all the necessary documents like identification and academic records. Usually applications are submitted directly through the TAFE website.

Where to get help choosing a TAFE course

There are a number of ways to get help finding a course at TAFE Gippsland. Resources available to help choose a course include training lines, job centres and industry professionals.

• Contact Skills and Job Centre: The Skills and Job Centre offers advice to help people choose a course. It is a free service that consults with potential students to assess their skills, explore career paths and identify training and employment opportunities. The centre offers personalised guidance for those looking to work or study and information on current job trends and in-demand skills.
• Contact the TAFE and training line: This TAFE and training line is available for current and prospective students and provides information and advice on training courses, funding eligibility and career advice. It can be reached via the phone number 131 823 or email tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au.
• Visit Victorian Skills Gateway: This website offers help for government funded courses, training providers and carers with specific resources for free TAFE courses and skills sets.

To choose the right TAFE course, it is important to understand your own career goals and personal circumstances. There are a wide range of course options available from certificates and diplomas to apprenticeships and traineeships. Contact TAFE Gippsland to help decide what TAFE course you should do.