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Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivers training
that is both practical and career oriented.
For many students, vocational is the preferred option to
university studies because of its emphasis on practical and
professional training. Students wishing to undertake VET courses
in Australia can choose from either Australia’s largest VET
provider, the government-run institutions known as TAFE colleges
(Technical And Further Education) or the many specialist private
colleges.
Although TAFE colleges and their qualifications are
delivered to the same level of competency, the TAFE structure
can vary from state to state.
Traditionally the TAFE system was developed as a training
ground for apprentices and trades people. This is still an
important part of the TAFE education services yet TAFEs now
offer a vast range of courses for professionals, para-
professionals and applied technicians.
Private providers offer students quality and specialist
education. Private VET providers deliver accredited courses
valued by the industry and students. Private VET schools are
accredited under various government or industry schemes or
international affiliations.
VET graduates in Australia can seek future employment with
the knowledge that their skills are those in demand by
employers. Courses are designed after extensive consultation
with industry to ensure the most up-to-date training.
Australia’s international reputation in multi-media,
graphic design, aviation, sound engineering and business studies
will ensure that an Australian VET qualification will enhance
your career prospects at home and abroad.
Both public and private VET schools offer a vast array of
training facilities that include workshops, studios, clinics,
laboratories, office settings, multi-media centres,
“virtual” hotels and kitchens that contain the latest
equipment. Pro-active instruction, often “on site”, further
complements this training. Students may be required to work in
international hotels, increase their flying time, operate
sophisticated machinery or edit their own film as part of a VET
program. In addition to these specialist facilities, VET
campuses generally offer students computerised libraries and
Internet access, cafeterias, bars, banks and shopping.
The following awards can be obtained in the VET system:
certificates, advanced certificates, advanced diplomas, diplomas
and degrees. (Degrees are available on specific courses only
through arrangements with universities.)
Certificate courses equip students with a high level of
practical skills for employment in a specific occupation or for
preparation for further study.
Advanced certificate courses develop basic and advanced
knowledge and skills to perform a variety of specialised tasks
and to work in first level supervisory, administrative or
management positions. Advanced
diploma courses provide the skills to support professionals or
work in technical and managerial and/or para-professional
occupations in areas such as architecture, science, electronics
and management. Diploma
courses provide the advanced specialised skills required to work
at a professional level in a variety of occupations.
Entry requirements for international students vary
according to their country of origin and the level of schooling
and/or work experience. Diploma
and degree programs through TAFE usually require completion of
Year 12 of Australian secondary education or its overseas
equivalent. TAFE advanced
certificate courses usually require completion of Year 10 of
Australian secondary education or its overseas equivalent.
The TAFE year is from early February to December. TAFE
courses run from short courses of several hours or weeks to
three (3) year full-time courses. Generally TAFE enrols students
into formal award courses, which start in February and July each
year. However, it may be possible to enrol at other times; check
with the TAFE organisation in State or Territory (below) or
individual TAFE institutes.
Private institutions decide individually on the duration
of their courses. Many colleges have regular intakes throughout
the year. Business colleges have both certificate and diploma
courses. Diploma courses are usually over 40 weeks and
certificate courses range from 12 to 30 weeks.
Technical
and Further Education (TAFE)
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