Your style of learning
There’s always more than one pathway to your dream career.
Many people move between a combination of work, university, TAFE
and on-the-job training to build up their qualifications.
After at least ten years of school, you’ll know how you
like to learn – whether it’s hitting the books or getting
your hands dirty doing something practical.
If you enjoy the challenge of studying and stretching your brain,
university could be for you. If you enjoy learning by doing, consider
an apprenticeship, traineeship or a TAFE course.
You can always move between different educational institutions
if your plans don’t work out. You may even be able to get
your prior learning recognised. For more ideas, check out www.year12whatnext.gov.au
School based apprenticeships
If your school offers school based apprenticeships, you can start studying
towards a nationally recognised trade qualification in year 10, 11 or 12.
You can also enrol in school based apprenticeships at one of the
six new Technical Colleges in Victoria
These new technical colleges offer courses in traditional trades
such as commercial cookery, engineering, construction and mechanics.
There are campuses in Gippsland, Geelong, Bendigo, Eastern Melbourne,
Sunshine and Warrnambool. Some colleges also have satellite campuses
in smaller towns.
School based apprenticeships are ideal for people who enjoy hands-on
learning because they combine study with training and paid employment.
Ask your teacher or careers counsellor what’s on offer in
your region.
For more information go to www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au or
www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
One of the smartest ways to dive directly into the workforce is
sign up for an apprenticeship or traineeship. You’ll get
paid while you learn and walk away with a nationally recognised
qualification.
Traineeships are quicker than apprenticeships. They generally
last two years and are offered in hundreds of different areas from
IT and retail to hospitality and horticulture.
Apprenticeships last between 3-4 years and are offered in more
traditional trade areas, like mechanics, engineering and cooking.
Check out more options at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au and
find vacancies at www.grouptraining.com.au.
TAFE
TAFE is another great way to fast track your career. TAFE courses
are designed with direct industry input, so when you finish your
course, you’ll be ready to hit the workforce.
You can study full-time, part-time, at night or by distance – so
you can continue to work
while you study.
Most courses have some entry requirements, whether it be the completion
of year 10, 12 or relevant experience in the job market. You can
also study your VCE at TAFE if you didn’t finish it at school.
In Victoria TAFE offers more than 1400 different courses. Courses
are as varied as security, firefighting and acupuncture.
Search for more options online at www.tafe.vic.gov.au/TAFECourses
You can also get advice over the phone by calling 1800 809 834.
University
Going to university can be a lot of fun. Of course, there will
be a lot of hard work. But at the end of it you’ll have a
highly regarded qualification that will give you a headstart in
the job market.
Big employers like the government employ hundreds of graduates
every year, regardless of their area of study. They’re just
looking for smart employees who can think on their feet.
There are nine universities in Victoria – and you’ll
find campuses in both city and country areas. The course you’re
interested in may be offered at several different institutions
and locations. Not all universities deliver their courses in exactly
the same way. You may find that one campus offers more variety,
or handson training than the other.
Entrance scores and pre-requisite subjects also vary between institutions.
Research the different universities online or find a copy of The
Good Universities Guide in your school library. Also check out
www.goingtouni.gov.au
Mark these dates on your calendar if you’re planning to
apply to university:
- The closing date for applications for university courses
starting in early 2009, is Tuesday, September 30, 2008.
- Late applications will be accepted up until Friday December
12, 2008.
- VCE results and ENTERs for 2008 will be available online on Monday
December 15, 2008 at 7am.
- VCE results and ENTERS will be received in the mail on Tuesday
December 16, 2008.
- Main round offers of university places will be made on Tuesday,
January 20, 2009.
What's uni like?
Your university experience will depend on the course you choose
and the campus you attend.
Smaller country campuses are likely to have smaller lectures and
tutorials. At the big city universities you could be sharing a
class with hundreds of other students.
Most bachelor degrees take 3-4 years fulltime, while advanced
diplomas take two and courses like engineering take five.
Find out more about your course options at www.highered.vic.gov.au/universities.
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