If there is one thing about working in Australia that comes as a surprise to most Indians, it is the value and focus that skill development gets here. Skilled workers like teachers, nurses, electricians, carpenters, machinists have a high demand in the country and can be a lucrative option for the Indian community in Australia. It is one of the reasons that policy-makers are pushing for doubling the skilled migration program to 200,000 annually in the next five years.
While this is one solution to the problem of skill shortage in the country, Australia also encourages its extensive Vocational Education and Training Program to cover all vocational training in Australia. TAFE (Technical and Further Education) comes under the purview of VET. These are government-run institutions and private registered training organisations that offer vocational training courses ranging from a duration of 3 months to 3 years.
TAFE institutes are also a great option for students who want to study in Australia but cannot make the cut to the top universities. Or, for that matter, you could have done a diploma course in India and find yourself ineligible for universities in Australia. In that case, you can study a TAFE course for a year and apply to university.
If you are an individual living in Australia who would like to switch careers or a woman looking to restart their career after a break, TAFE offers an excellent opportunity for us, Desis. Getting admission into these institutes is relatively easier. If you plan to study further in another course in a university, you get the option to transfer after completing one year at TAFE. Moreover, you may even be allowed to migrate with your credits.
There are different levels of TAFE courses, and each of these varies in duration and the level of skill you will acquire.
1. Certificate I Courses
After completing this level, you will have knowledge and skills for initial work, community involvement or further learning.
2. Certificate II Courses
These courses impart knowledge and skills for work in a defined context or further learning.
3. Certificate III Courses
These courses give you theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work or future learning.
4. Certificate IV Courses
After completing this level, you will get the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for specialised or skilled work.
5. Diploma Courses
Diploma courses give you specialised knowledge and skills for skilled or paraprofessional work.
6. Advanced Diploma Courses
These courses are perfect if you want to acquire broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional or highly skilled work.
7. Graduate Certificate and Diploma Courses
After graduating from these courses, you will have advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work.
8. Undergraduate Courses
Like any other UG course, these give a broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work.
These TAFE courses are divided across states or territories. If you are considering this option, you may want to check the details of these courses in your state.
To Wrap Up
TAFE courses are like polytechnics in India and can give you a lead if you plan to work in Australia. They are ideal for women as well as they can pursue their interests in culinary, fashion or education fields after completing these courses. Moreover, they are recognised across the world.
If you would like to promote business among the Indian community in Australia, download the DesiPedia app today.