Vocational Education and Training (VET) has long been misunderstood with many believing that VET pathways are secondary to university degrees or are for those who can't get into university.
With a changing world of work, so too are the educational pathways to equip today’s graduates for success. School leavers today are expected to have 18 jobs across six careers in their lifetime and it projected that by 2026, nine out of ten new job openings will demand post-school qualifications.
With an ability to deliver real-world skills and hands-on learning, TAFE is in a unique position to skill, upskill and reskill Australia's workforce.
What are the benefits:
VET pathways offer numerous benefits, including:
- Faster entry into the workforce: VET programs are designed to be shorter and more practical than traditional university degrees, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly and start building their careers
- Practical skills: VET programs focus on developing practical skills that are directly applicable to the workplace, making graduates job-ready
- Industry recognition: Many VET programs are developed in partnership with industry, ensuring that graduates have the skills and knowledge required by employers
- Flexibility: VET programs often offer flexible study options, including online and part-time study, making it easier for students to balance work and family commitments
Where TAFE excels
A 2023 McCrindle report found that TAFE outperformed Universities and Private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) on 10 out of 15 metrics, including providing supportive learning environment, personalised learning support, flexible course structures, job-readiness, and employability upon graduating.
For qualified carpenter Hugo Kregar, finalist in the 2023 Apprentice of the Year, the opportunity to earn while you learn and to fast track your career were the key reasons for choosing an apprenticeship.
“The opportunity to earn while you learn is something completely different. I have a lot of mates who have gone to university, and they often say to me: ‘Oh, I wish I did an apprenticeship pathway, something that you’ve done’.”
Motivators for TAFE pathways
Hugo is not alone. The McCrindle report found that Victorians who opt for TAFE are primarily motivated by affordable fees, shorter courses, and hands-on learning. Earning while learning and the practical work-ready focus are also key motivators.
TAFE offers a highly practical approach, focusing on hands-on training to equip students with specific skills required for their chosen careers and helps get them started quicker. It serves as an excellent option for individuals looking to gain work experience while continuing their education.
Fee-Free study
The Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement has already delivered over 180,000 places since its inception in January 2023, with an additional 300,000 places being rolled out nationally. This initiative is a game-changer for Australians looking to upskill and reskill in growing industries such as:
- Agriculture
- Care (including aged care, health care and disability care)
- Construction
- Defence
- Early childhood education and care
- Hospitality and tourism
- Manufacturing
- Technology and digital
MEGT encourages Australians to take advantage of the value of VET and explore the Fee-Free TAFE options in your state.
