6 reasons to study at TAFE

TAFE is the smarter choice if you’re looking to achieve real skills, experiences and outcomes.

Thinking about your future career can be both exciting and daunting. There are a lot of choices out there, so how do you choose?
 
Here’s six reasons why you should study at TAFE:

1. Unlock pathways.  

TAFE provides different pathways for people to achieve their career goals. Whether you're a school leaver exploring options, a professional who wants to upskill, or someone looking for a career change, TAFE offers flexible programs that cater to different educational backgrounds and career aspirations.
 
There are hundreds of qualifications to choose from across a wide range of disciplines at different levels including:

• short courses

• certificates

• diplomas

• advanced diplomas

What things do you enjoy most? Discover hobbies or interests you could turn into a career –

Complete The Gordon Career Quiz

2. Learn your way, in a hands-on environment.  

TAFE gives you practical, hands-on learning experiences, which are valuable for fields like trades, healthcare, and early childhood education. Instead of just learning theory, students gain real-world skills that directly apply to their chosen industry.
 
The Gordon focuses on practical training in a safe and supportive environment, which means less theory and more hands-on experience. That's why graduates complete their studies, job ready.
 
Read about Caleb who traded his uni studies for TAFE

3. Save on study costs.  

With the rising cost of uni fees, TAFE gives you a more affordable option.
 
Doing a TAFE course can be much cheaper than studying at university and you don’t need to worry about a HECS-HELP debt piling up. In fact, there are FREE TAFE courses you don’t have to pay tuition fees for – just materials and resources!

Discover FREE TAFE courses
 
You can also use The Gordon diplomas and advanced diplomas to gain credits towards degrees at university. Save money and develop your practical skills first at TAFE, before going onto theory-based study at university.
 
Learn about study pathways

4. Earn while you learn.  

TAFE programs often allow students to work and earn money while studying. This not only helps students financially by offsetting the cost of education but also provides valuable work experience and practical skills that make you more employable when you graduate.
 
Work placements and industry projects form a large part of our course content. All work placements are organised by The Gordon and are a great boost to your resume. 
 
Read about Tiani’s placement as a youth worker
 
Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great way to combine paid work with structured training. Leading to a nationally recognised qualification and valuable industry skills, an apprenticeship or traineeship can set you up for your chosen career.
 
Learn about apprenticeships and traineeships

5. Get real skills and industry connections.  

The Gordon teachers are industry trained professionals who make sure the courses they teach match the needs of industry.
 
Learn how Angelique got a junior accountant job at 18
 
TAFE programs are designed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by employers.
 
This increases the likelihood of securing employment upon completion of the course, with many graduates finding themselves work-ready and sought after in their respective fields.
 
Get industry connections when you study beauty therapy

6. Be globally recognised.  

The Gordon has a widely known reputation for quality, trusted in Australia and overseas, especially in these areas:

• health and nursing

• building and construction

• early childhood education

We are accredited and recognised by peak industry bodies including: NEAS, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Design Institute of Australia.
 
By choosing TAFE, you can embark on rewarding career paths with promising employment opportunities and the satisfaction of making a difference in their chosen fields.
 
Meet Trey who’s competing at WorldSkills in France