TAFE or technical and further education institutions are providers of tertiary education from short courses, to diplomas to certificates. TAFE providers are a great way to learn new skills and advance your employability in a range of areas.
Most qualifications gained at TAFE are also able to be used as recognition of prior learning by universities, which allows graduates to use their prior studies as completing courses in an undergraduate degree, should they wish to continue on to university studies.
TAFE qualifications in detail
TAFE institutions provide short courses in many subjects, with students gaining a statement of attainment once graduating. Short courses may be undertaken over 2 to 3 hours, over a day or a period of a few weeks.
Certificates are also available from TAFE providers, from Certificate I through to IV. These usually take six months to a year to complete, and mainly require coursework to graduate. Diplomas are the next certification above Certificates available at TAFE institutions, and generally require one to two years to complete. Following a diploma, graduates can attempt an Advanced or Graduate diploma, which cover their chosen specialization in greater detail.
Most of these qualifications are available to study online, with the Open Training and Education Network or OTEN offering hundreds of courses and qualifications from the comfort of your own home.
Topics available at TAFE providers
TAFE institutions in Australia offer skills on a huge variety of subjects, from accounting, to construction, to arts and crafts, all the way through to hospitality and tourism. Courses are available for those wishing to upgrade their career options, or even those seeking a new hobby or skill. Many workplaces encourage further learning in their workforces, and will provide TAFE training on the job to increase their employees’ skills.
Contact your nearest TAFE
TAFE campuses are available around the country, with online courses available with OTEN. Prospective students can contact their local TAFE through Compare Courses:
TAFE OTEN
TAFE SA
TAFE WA: Great Southern TAFE, Albany, Central Institute of TAFE
TAFE VIC: Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE, Kangan Institute of TAFE, Gordon Institute of TAFE, Chisholm Institute of TAFE
TAFE QLD: Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, Brisbane North Institute of TAFE
TAFE NSW: TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute, TAFE NSW - Hunter Institute, TAFE NSW - Riverina Institute