Future-focused institutes in Australia equipping students with transferable skills

What does it take to change or add value to our careers these days? How can a 40-year-old factory worker who left high school at 14 earn his first-ever qualification to find a better, more fulfilling job? Can a single parent with a diploma ever become a manager in swanky hotels or other entertainment venues? How do you start a business during a pandemic with no prior experience in the field? 

The answer may lie in attending one of the many technical and further education (TAFE) institutions in Australia. The largest education and training sector in the country, TAFE institutions are government-run providers of vocational education and training courses. 

Here, you can develop skills like creativity, agility, and critical thinking through hands-on practical learning and opportunities to gain industry experience. Additionally, these courses can give you the pathway needed to pursue higher education, if desired. 

Here are four TAFE institutes in Australia that stand out for industry-relevant curricula, work experience opportunities, and practical learning.

TAFE QUEENSLAND

TAFE Queensland represents the finest in vocational education and training. The winner of the “International Training Provider of the Year” at the 2019 Australian Training Awards offers nationally-recognised and industry-relevant qualifications from certificates through to degrees. With deep industry links in Queensland, its hands-on, flexible training is living up to its commitment to change lives around the world.

Source: TAFE Queensland

Whether it’s a degree, a diploma or a pathway programme, TAFE Queensland’s wide range of courses will equip you to compliment, enhance or change careers. From Hospitality and Cookery to Carpentry and Marine and Craft Construction, from Automotive and Heavy Vehicle Mechanical to Building Design, Civil Engineering, IT and Cybersecurity, these courses will give you the transferable skills to land your dream job or jobs sooner.

Want to be promoted to management roles at hotels, restaurants or entertainment venues? You can gain the rostering, budgeting, marketing, and people management skills to qualify for them through the Diploma of Hospitality Management. Want a job protecting organisations against malicious cyber activity? The Certificate IV in Cyber Security will set you apart in the IT industry.

Need more skills in the application of civil and structural engineering technology? Gain specialised knowledge with the Associate Degree in Civil Engineering. Have a passion for cars, trucks, or bikes? Rev up your career with one of these automotive courses from TAFE Queensland.

Almost 85% of TAFE Queensland graduates go on to work or further study. Be part of this successful group — to find out more about entry requirements, English Language programmes and how you can apply, watch the 2020 Virtual Open Day Video here.

TAFE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Located in what’s quickly becoming the lifestyle capital of Australia, this TAFE institution is your starting point to thriving vocational careers in a variety of fields. From arts and design to business and education, you can learn it and work it at TAFE South Australia (TAFE SA). 

Source: TAFE South Australia

TAFE SA’s various levels of courses — qualifications, short courses, online courses, and apprenticeships — offer something to match one’s personal needs. Boost your skills and job prospects in Business and Marketing, with courses such as Management, Finance, Accounting, and Marketing. Need a more specific qualification? The full-time or part-time Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management will prepare you for roles such as a management consultant. If you’re interested in food production and preparation, such as cookery, patisserie and baking, or event management and customer service, the TAFE SA Regency International Centre has a range of hospitality, travel and tourism courses for these.

There are also over 50 University Packaged Programmes with the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia and Flinders University. TAFE SA students can achieve an undergraduate degree in their chosen fields of study through this pathway or via a Credit Transfer. If you want to gain valuable industry experience which can lead to full-time employment, the TAFE SA Vocational Placement Programme will provide you with the opportunity to put theory into practice and make you more ready for work. 

HOLMESGLEN INSTITUTE 

Holmesglen Institute offers over 500 courses from eight campuses at six locations in Victoria. With a strong emphasis on online learning, this institute fosters interactive live discussions with teachers, trainers, and fellow students so that students receive a high-quality education while learning from home. 

Source: Holmesglen Institute

At Holmesglen Institute, you can earn certificates and bachelor-level programmes in Arts and Design; Business and Finance; Horticulture and Environment; Hospitality, and many more. For international students, you will have the opportunity to attend customised English classes specifically developed to prepare you for further study or a career in your chosen field. This can be followed by seamless entry into a work-oriented vocational programme, or a bachelor’s degree, or both. 

Holmesglen Institute’s approach to teaching and learning combines the required theory with hands-on, practical experience. Students will take part in work placements, or

practise in one of its state-of-the-art simulated workspaces — both will boost your confidence and practical know-how to transition from the classroom to the workplace effortlessly and successfully. Extra support is provided in the form of services such as career counselling, work experience, and career workshops. 

CHISHOLM INSTITUTE

Located in Dandenong, which is in the south-east of Melbourne, Chisholm Institute is one of Victoria’s premier public vocational education and training providers. It is prominently placed across the state’s south-east manufacturing heartland and residential growth corridors. Courses here span a wide range, such as Art and Design; Building Trade, Computer Technology, Hospitality and Events, and Engineering.

Source: Chisholm Institute

This government-owned TAFE offers over 250 certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor and graduate certificate courses. Each is carefully structured to ensure that all graduates receive the skills needed to further their career aspirations.

At its Skills and Jobs Centre, potential students, job seekers and employers can assess a free service offering advice on job readiness, training, upskilling and career opportunities. In the last 12 months, it has provided 1,084 people with workshops like interview skills, resume writing, how to choose the right course for you and many more.

For international students, Chisholm Institute offers additional support such as ensuring your arrival to Chisholm is successful and worry-free, you have appropriate accommodation, introduction to campus life, compliance associated with the Student Visa regulations, and many more. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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