Community College, Vocational Education and Training in Australia
Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) institutions, similar to community colleges, offer the opportunity to hone your skills in real and simulated work environments. The practical expertise you gain in the workplace will give you a genuine advantage over other graduates.
At VET institutions you can study a wide range of disciplines, including: business and management, science and technology, design and arts, communications, sport and recreation, community service and health, tourism and hospitality, engineering and building, horticulture and land management.
Programs are provided by public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes, private colleges and a number of schools and universities. TAFE Institutes are similar to community colleges, offering a wide range of study and training options. Private colleges often specialise in one or several specific disciplines, for example a private college associated with a church may offer Certificate and Diploma level courses in ministry. Industry and government work together to develop training outcomes, which are then implemented according to nationally endorsed training packages.
This allows you to apply knowledge learnt inside the classroom, outside in the real world. You learn by doing, rather than just reading from textbooks. Your initial qualification can be built on to achieve higher qualifications, provide the basis to begin or change a career, or assist with further study at university.
You can also use this training as a pathway into higher education. Depending on your qualification, universities may provide you with credit towards a degree. This gives you the practical skills as well as the theory from a university degree.
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