If you believe that attending university is the only way to secure a high-paying and in-demand career, you might want to think again.
We Aussies are lucky enough to have an incredible university alternative at our fingertips. What’s more, there are even ways to complete courses for free if you live in Victoria! If you’re unfamiliar with the type of vocational education we’re talking about, it’s time you were introduced to TAFE courses.
What is TAFE?
If you haven’t heard of TAFE before, we’ve got you covered. TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education and provides vocational education to Aussies with big dreams. In short, it gets you ready for the workforce!
TAFE graduates are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce and land jobs in a particularly tricky job market. A lot of the learning done through TAFE courses is either online or hands-on, so it’s pretty fun, too!
If you want a career that requires a certificate, diploma or apprenticeship, TAFE is a great option for you.
TAFE vs. University: Which is Better?
Before you decide between university and TAFE, it’s important to consider the differences between the two. That way, you’ll ensure that whichever you pick is the best fit for your future!
University
- Courses generally last 3+ years
- Provides qualifications that are mandatory for some career pathways
- Will result in a lot of student debt unless your course is being paid for outright
- Involves tonnes of research and independent learning
- More theory and fewer hours spent on campus (in comparison to TAFE courses)
TAFE Courses
- Courses generally last 6-12 months
- Provides the skills to work in a technical trade career
- May be free, depending on the student’s location
- Involves a lot of group work and hands-on learning
- Many hours spent on-site
What Courses Can You Do at TAFE?
Within a minute of checking out the TAFE courses website, it becomes glaringly apparent that they offer courses for almost any industry. In short, you’re spoiled for choice! Whether you’re into culinary arts, beauty therapy, photography, counselling or IT, there’s a course for you.
Overwhelmed by choice? That’s totally normal! A great way to narrow down your choices is to head to this course-matching quiz that generates a personalised list of top options!
What TAFE Courses Are Free?
Unfortunately, not all TAFE courses are free. Only those studying in Victoria have the option to undertake fee-free study, and they must pick from a specified set of courses.
The courses that fall under the fee-free scheme train students for industries that are in high demand. Thus, if you choose to study one of these specific courses, you won’t just enjoy a free education but also be trained to enter an industry with higher job security; it’s a win-win!
If you’re a Victoria local and you’re curious about your choices, here are a few TAFE course options to get you started!
Fee Free TAFE Courses
- Certificate II/IV in Dental Assisting
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Certificate IV in Engineering
- Certificate III in Hospitality
- Certificate III in Civil Construction
- Diploma of Nursing
- And many, many more!
Fee Free Pre-Apprenticeship Courses
In addition to the 30 free TAFE courses, there are also the following pre-apprenticeship courses on offer:
- Certificate II in Furniture Making
- Certificate II in Glass and Glazing
- Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts
- Certificate II in Retail Banking Assistance
- And many, many more!
What Are the Highest Paying TAFE Courses?
It’s no secret that money is a huge factor in influencing career decisions. After all, who doesn’t want to live a life of luxury?
Until recently, it was common for people to think that the only way to secure a high-paying position was by attending university, obtaining a degree and then working your butt off in a corporate environment. However, these days (with the rise of TAFE courses), that isn’t quite the truth.
To help you figure out which TAFE courses can put you in your desired tax bracket, we’ve put together a list of the top five highest-paying vocational courses, courtesy of the TAFE courses website themselves!
- Diploma of Work Health and Safety: $90,500
- Certificate III in Engineering | Mechanical Trade: $88,700
- Certificate II in Electrical | Instrumentation: $86,400
- Certificate IV in Government Investigations: $85,900
- Certificate IV in Engineering: $79,400
When you’re checking out this list, it’s important to keep in mind that the salaries provided are merely average starting salaries. Essentially, it’s only up from there!
How to Know Which TAFE Course is Right for You
If you’ve read through the article and decided that TAFE courses sound like a lot of fun (and you’d be right), it’s time to decide which pathway you’ll want to take!
To make things a little easier, head over to our career quiz and figure out your ideal industry. Who knows, a few minutes spent filling it out might just lead to your perfect tertiary-alternative course!
