Starting out - TAFE careers and training

• Choose a pathway

  • Take the online Job Outlook Career Quiz to see which jobs you'll thrive in.
  • Speak to the TAFE and Training Line for help and free advice about TAFE and training courses, qualifications and training providers.

    Phone: 131 823 or 03 9651 4701 (outside of Victoria)

    8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays)

    Email: tafe.courseline@education.vic.gov.au

  • Talk to friends and family. Often the best advice is from those close to you. They know you best and can help you see how your unique skills could lead to pathways you never imagined.

• Find the right course for you

  • Search for courses and/or occupations on the Victoria Skills Gateway. Once you have found the course you want, contact the TAFE or training provider who runs the course close to you.
  
  
  • Get in touch with your local Skills and Job Centre. If you are interested in a certain career, such as becoming a barber or a career in early childhood support and you don’t know what level to start at – we would recommend speaking with the TAFE and Training Line or a Skills and Job Centre for advice.

    Each TAFE has their own dedicated Skills and Job Centre.

• Make a fresh start

  1. Filter your search by sectors where the jobs are. Those looking for a career change may want to explore options in sectors such as Early Childhood, Construction, Health, Community Services, Disability or Agriculture. Many of the courses associated with these sectors are also on the Free TAFE list.
  
  
  2. Search for courses and/or occupations on the Victoria Skills Gateway. Once you have found the course you want, contact the TAFE or training provider that runs the course close to you.
  
  
  3. Register with Working for Victoria. Jobseekers and people wishing to retrain for new roles can register with Working for Victoria and get notified when jobs are advertised. To find out more you can visit the Working for Victoria website.
  
  
  4. Become a TAFE teacher. Name the course at TAFE, and if you’re qualified, you could teach it. TAFE teachers are in demand with $10,000 incentive payments currently available to help make a career switch into teaching a reality for industry professionals.
  
  
  5. Use your network. Search out and connect with people you’ve worked within the past or friends and family, particularly if they’re working in a field you’re looking to transition into. You never know where a conversation may lead!

More information to get you started

• Is it going to be expensive?

  We’ve worked hard to remove financial barriers for students with a range of initiatives now available:

  • Free TAFE - A wide range of TAFE courses are now free to study. Students can train in courses that lead to jobs in demand.
  
  
  • Job Trainer - If you’re under the age of 25 and/or currently unemployed, you may be eligible to access training for free or at a low fee at TAFE and other training providers.
  
  
  • Skills First - Provides access to government-subsidised training to eligible students for specific courses. If you qualify, the government will partly subsidise your training.

  
  To check your eligibility to receive subsidised training, talk to your local TAFE or a Skills and Jobs Centre.

  Find more information on checking your eligibility here.

• How do I get an apprenticeship?

  1. Find an apprenticeship with an employer
  
  
  2. Apply for the apprenticeship (the same way you would apply for a job).
  
  
  3. You and your employer find a TAFE or training provider that offers the relevant course.
  
  
  4. Your employer registers you with an approved Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) and an ANP representative then organises a training contract between you and your employer.
  
  
  5. ANP registers your training contract on the apprenticeship database (called Epsilon) and you’re given a unique student number (this may take up to 4 weeks).
  
  
  6. Once your training provider has received your number, they consult with you and your employer to develop a training plan. Once you've developed and signed the training plan, you can start your training.

  Refer to apprenticeships and trainees webpage for more information.

• Can I study online?

  TAFEs offer a variety of online and blended study options, enabling you to study in a way that meets your work and family needs. The TAFE and Training line can help you find an online course that works for you.

  Phone: 131 823 or 03 9651 4701 (outside of Victoria)

  8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays)

  Email: tafe.courseline@education.vic.gov.au