Benefits Of Taking Up TAFE Course In Australia

Benefits Of Taking Up TAFE Course In Australia

Almost every student is likely to have come across the mention of TAFE (Technical and Further Education) at some stage during their education. Several students who are looking for a tertiary education option or to obtain a vocational qualification often select a TAFE course.

This article explains the benefits of taking up a TAFE course. It also explains how it is different from University training and the popular courses available. It is a must-read for those planning to take up engineering courses in Brisbane or any other certificate or diploma course. These are benefits of taking up TAFE courses in Australia

How is TAFE different from University?

Both TAFE institutions and Universities offer tertiary education but there is a difference between the two. A tertiary education from a University will result in a Bachelor’s Degree. As per the Australian Qualifications Framework and standards, a Bachelor’s Degree from a University has a higher value as compared to a similar degree from a TAFE institute. A TAFE institute will offer courses like Certificate I, II, III & IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.

The other differences between TAFE and University include the length of the course and content type as well. A TAFE course can range from between 1 to 3 years while a University degree is usually a 4-year course. A TAFE course uses a more practical approach to teaching; while a University degree is all about teaching the theories. For students who prefer a more hands-on approach, a TAFE course is the better option since students gain relevant practical and technical skills.

Advantages of opting for TAFE Course

All TAFE courses are specially designed to ensure the relevant vocational course that a student takes up provides them with sufficient knowledge to implement the skills they have acquired during their education. There is a wide range of courses offered at a TAFE institute including hospitality, tourism, finance, construction, business, information technology, visual arts, engineering, etc.

The other benefits of taking up  TAFE courses in Brisbane are listed here:

• Greater flexibility

This type, of course, can be taken up as part-time or full-time; besides which several institutes provide the option of online and distance education as well. It can be taken up by people of all ages and skill backgrounds. For example, school leavers, parents, employees and those working part-time can also take up a TAFE course.

• Educational credit

TAFE graduates who have completed their graduate diploma are eligible for up to two-year credit towards their University degree. This helps save the valuable time of a student as well.

• Practical Knowledge

One of the major benefits of taking up a TAFE course is that it sets you up for work experience at a real place of business. Gaining some work experience in this way that is relevant to the studies is very valuable in the long run.

Courses at a TAFE Institution

TAFEs offer a wide range of courses and qualifications. It includes courses in a wide subject area including agriculture, arts & design, business & marketing, education & languages, food & beverages, hospitality & tourism, informational technology and more. This includes courses like the graduate diploma of management, diploma of leadership & management, diploma of website development, diploma of information technology networking, certificate II in automotive electrical technology and many more.

 Some of the popular qualifications are listed here:

• Certificate I-IV

This qualification is specially designed to provide all introductory skills and training. This also includes industry-specific knowledge to succeed along with excellent communication, literacy, numeracy and teamwork skills. This course ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

• Diploma

This is an optimal course for students who wish to enter an industry or pursue their paraprofessional career. It requires one to two years of full-time study.

• Advanced Diploma

This type of qualification offers higher practical training ensuring the students can advance their skills further. It is typically a 1.5 to 2-year full-time course.

• Vocational graduate certificate/diploma

This is the equivalent of a higher education graduate diploma or certificate and requires 6 months to 2 years of full-time study.