Vocational Training in Australia

Vocational training and apprenticeship in Australia is usually post-secondary and provided by Registered Training Organizations (RTO). These organizations provide students with training that result in qualifications that are recognized and accepted by industries in the country and other educational institutions throughout the country.

The hierarchy of educational qualifications is provided by the Australian Qualifications Framework and is administered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The employers, states and territories and the Commonwealth Government formalize a curriculum available for RTOs to teach and assess the competency of students in their respective fields of study through the National Training System.

Within the Australian Qualifications Framework, Technical and Further Education or TAFE Colleges award qualifications up to the level of advanced diploma, which is below that of a Bachelor degree. Since 2002, TAFE Colleges have been awarding degree-level awards and post graduate diplomas to fill niche areas in the industries of Australia. However, these awards do not go beyond the level of Bachelor degree. In fact, many Australians refer to all degrees that are below the level of a Bachelor degree as TAFE courses regardless of the institutions that offers it.

Constitutionally, vocational training is the responsibility of states and territories through the TAFE system. Apprenticeships are offered in both traditional apprenticeships in traditional trades and traineeships in other service-oriented jobs. Apprenticeships typically last three to four years while traineeships last for only two years, in which both receive wage that increases as they progress in their study.

The DEEWR is the government agency that leads Australia's education and workplace training as well as transition to work. It collaborates with the different government agencies with the states and territories to provide easy access to educational services and support programs to the Australian people. It also aims to increase workforce participation and promote fair work practices in Australia.

Tips for choosing the best college for vocational education

• Limit your search to the location where you prefer to study. There are many reputable colleges in Australia and deciding whether you want to go to one in your State or in another might help you limit your search to a handful.
• Get as much information as you can from at least a handful of colleges that you have in mind. Check their admission requirements, their course offerings, policies, campus and other pertinent information.
• You may want to consider less selective colleges with minimum requirements since competition is very tough for a spot in a well-known institution.
• Consider the costs of studying in a college you like. Think about the tuition and other fees, housing, food and transportation.
• Submit as many applications as you can to different colleges and take the entrance tests. The more colleges you try out, the better the chances of getting into one.
• When applying, always bring your documents and identification.
• Take a tour of the campus in person. The online campus tour may not always be as informative as going there yourself.
• Your college of choice should always be based on your goals, needs, interests and budget.