TAFE Courses

TAFE courses are quite simply another way of saying vocational training, re-training or sometimes adult learning. The acronym TAFE in fact stands for ‘technical and further education’ although the term, as stated, has grown to encompass almost all vocational training and adult learning. It is a term which is primarily used in Australia but which is growing in popularity in the United States. The TAFE system in fact grew from the apprenticeship systems which are very popular in both Australia and the United States.

Generally speaking TAFE courses deliver a range of long and short courses that offer choices within a range of industry areas, learning styles and qualifications; tailored to individual student needs. Courses are offered full-time, part-time and flexibly through distance and online learning. At present there are over 1,200 recognized qualifications through TAFE, from Certificate to Advanced Diplomas, as well as Statements of Attainment and TAFE course statements. Courses are also offered to those who wish to advance in their careers without having to commit to the time and financial losses of full time study making TAFE courses excellent options for online learning courses.

Many TAFE courses will also recognize work and past experience and offer credits for these within a relevant course. Skills and knowledge gained from your work, previous study and life experience that are relevant to your course. Usually if a student can demonstrate they have already gained the equivalent skills or knowledge of a particular course, they may be given an exemption for a unit of study or, in some cases, a full course.

Although TAFE courses have evolved through many years of transition and a variety of players and ideologies, today TAFE in Australia has more than 500,000 enrolments. Around 8 per cent of TAFE course students are full-time, and many study online or from home or work. The gender split at TAFE in Australia is approximately equal and training is organized for specific industries and businesses and conducted both on and off the job. Most TAFE course students are employed while they study. TAFE course students in both Australia and the US come from every conceivable walk of life and in Australia, over 20 per cent are born overseas; over 6 per cent are indigenous; 9 per cent have a disability; and 23 per cent are from a language background other than English.