Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia

After completing the Year 12 school education in Australia students have various choices for their further study. For example they can go to university for degree course or go to vocational institutes for vocational education and training (VET) courses. The VET institutes in Australia deliver training that is both practical and career-oriented. Students can develop their own career path through study and work. VET courses are provided by both public institutions called TAFE Institutes and private colleges. There are an increasing numbers of overseas students and people who are currently working who choose to study VET programmes in Australia.

Course Framework of TAFE and Private Colleges

TAFE and private colleges usually provide courses with different levels from Certificate III, Certificate IV, and Diploma to Advanced Diploma. The course duration of Certificates study vary from three months to one year and diploma courses are varied from one year to 3 years.

Qualification Award from TAFE and Private Colleges

All TAFE institutes and private colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards. Therefore, the Australian VET graduates whether from TAFE or private colleges are able to seek employment with the knowledge that their skills are those demanded by employers. Under Australia's national qualifications framework graduates can also progress into higher level courses including entry into universities for Diploma and Bachelor degrees. The qualifications achieved by graduates are also well recognized by other countries.

Wide Range of Course Options

TAFE and private colleges provide a wild range of course options with different levels. They include: accounting, business management, marketing, information technology, multimedia design, hospitality management, agricultural studies, horticulture, applied science, architecture, arts & design, hairdressing, cookery, food technology, child care, computer technology, (electrical, mechanical, computer systems technology, detail drafting, or civil) engineering, English language, environmental science, fashion design, health & beauty, community service, nursing, manufacturing, media studies, marine study, music, tourism and etc.