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Are you new to VET? The below frequently asked questions will help you get started.
Understanding VET and course options
VET courses give you practical skills that are directly related to the workplace. Depending on the course you do, you will learn through a combination of classroom study, hands-on training and online.
Classes are generally studied through a TAFE or other registered training provider. Some courses also include placement which is done at a workplace.
You can also do an apprenticeship or traineeship(opens in a new window). This enables you to study a qualification and practice your skills through paid work at the same time.
VET courses are available for a wide range of industries(opens in a new window), including:
- health
- trades
- business
- child care
- IT
- hospitality
- community services and more.
Visit Training and careers in Victoria’s growing industries(opens in a new window) to explore different careers, occupations and industries. You can learn what jobs involve, what skills you need and the VET pathways you can take.
VET courses range from skill sets and short courses which may take as little as a few hours to complete, through to Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. Some qualifications can also be done as part of a traineeship or apprenticeship(opens in a new window). Find out more about VET qualification levels(opens in a new window).
You can search for government-funded VET courses offered across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window) website and coursefinder.
You can study a VET course at any age or career stage. VET can help you:
- get a head start at secondary school(opens in a new window) with the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) program or alongside your Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or VCE Vocational Major (VM) studies
- start your career(opens in a new window)
- do an apprenticeship or traineeship(opens in a new window)
- change your career(opens in a new window)
- return to work
- learn new skills to build your career in your current industry(opens in a new window)
- follow a pathway to university(opens in a new window)
- improve your foundational skills(opens in a new window) to prepare for study or a job.
You might also be eligible to reduce the length of your course through recognition of your skills, experience and past study(opens in a new window).
To learn more, visit Is TAFE and training a good fit for you?(opens in a new window)
The main differences between apprenticeships and traineeships are:
Apprenticeships:
- are for learning a skilled trade, like plumbing, carpentry or hairdressing
- combine your VET coursework with paid, on-the-job learning
- earn you a nationally recognised qualification
- focus on hands-on trade skills
- usually take longer than traineeships.
Traineeships:
- are for non-trade jobs, like business, child care, IT, retail or community services
- combine your VET coursework with paid, on-the-job learning
- earn you a nationally recognised qualification
- are usually shorter than apprenticeships.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships(opens in a new window).
You can also search for apprenticeships and traineeships on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window). Use the filters on the right-hand side to refine your results to show only apprenticeship and traineeship courses.
There are a range of study options available for VET courses. The below delivery modes are shown for each course on the Victorian Skills Gateway.(opens in a new window)
Note that these are indicative only – check with your preferred provider for specific attendance requirements.
Delivery mode Description Full-time on-campus - You will have a full-time study load
- You will be expected to attend classes on-site most days of the week
Part-time on-campus - You will have a part-time study load
- You will be expected to attend classes on-site
Flexible delivery - You might be expected to attend scheduled sessions, or the course may be self-paced
- Course attendance might be in a variety of locations e.g. in the workplace, a study centre or a community centre
Online/off-campus - Classes might be conducted online, by distance education or by correspondence
- You may be expected to attend scheduled sessions, or the course may be self-paced
- You may be required to attend in-person at times – check with your preferred course provider before enrolling
- The course load may be full-time or part-time
Choosing a VET course and getting started
You can explore VET courses at TAFEs and other registered training providers across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria on the Victorian Skills Gateway website.
All courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway are funded by Skills First(opens in a new window), and some are also funded by Free TAFE(opens in a new window). Note that eligibility criteria apply.
Visit the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window) and search for courses by a topic that interests you. You can also search by course provider.
You can use the filters on the right-hand side to refine your search results by:
- government funding
- apprenticeships and traineeships
- qualification level
- course provider type.
When you click through to a course, you’ll find more information such as:
- available government funding
- course overview
- entry requirements
- apprenticeship and traineeship information
- units of study
- which providers are offering the course and locations
- direct link to the provider’s website for more information
- delivery modes - see FAQ 10 below.
We recommend that you click through to the course provider’s website using the links provided to find out the most current information specific to each provider, including course fees and any extra costs.
If you have found a course of interest, you may be able to enrol directly through the course provider’s website.
However, we recommend that you contact the provider first to find out about:
- course fees
- any extra costs (like materials or equipment)
- delivery modes – for example, will you have to attend on-campus and will this be practical for you?
- electives – not all providers offer all course electives
- government-funding –
- all courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway attract Skills First(opens in a new window) funding
- some courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway attract Free TAFE(opens in a new window) funding
- ask the provider what funding applies to the course and whether you are eligible.
We recommend you compare course fees between providers as these can vary.
Contact the TAFE and Training Line(opens in a new window) for any questions on the course, course provider or government-funding:
- Phone: 13 18 23(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Enquire online(opens in a new window).
Here are some next steps you can take:
- Explore VET and career resources at Discover training, courses and careers(opens in a new window).
- Contact the TAFE and Training Line(opens in a new window) for free help and information on VET courses and providers, and government-funding for VET courses in Victoria:
- Phone: 13 18 23(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Enquire online(opens in a new window).
- Contact a Skills and Jobs Centre(opens in a new window) for free qualified, independent advice and support on VET courses and career planning. You can also get help with finding a job in your local area.
Costs can vary depending on the course, the provider you study with, and your eligibility for government funding.
Before choosing a course, you should:
- check the course fees
- check for any extra costs (like materials or equipment)
- compare prices between providers as these can vary
- check if you are eligible for Skills First(opens in a new window) or Free TAFE(opens in a new window) funding.
Contact the TAFE and Training Line(opens in a new window) for more information:
- Phone: 13 18 23(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Enquire online(opens in a new window).
The following government funding is available to help pay for your VET course, subject eligibility requirements:
Skills First(opens in a new window)
- Skills First funding reduces your course fees.
- All courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window) are funded by Skills First.
- Find out more about Skills First(opens in a new window) and eligibility requirements.
Free TAFE(opens in a new window)
- Free TAFE funding is available for 80 courses across Victoria.
- Free TAFE courses can only be studied at TAFE providers.
- Free TAFE covers your tuition fees, however there may be other fees you need to pay – ask your preferred TAFE provider.
- Find out more about Free TAFE(opens in a new window) and eligibility requirements.
- You can search for Free TAFE courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window) by using the filters on the right-hand side.
Other funding and support programs(opens in a new window) may also help, including VET Student Loans(opens in a new window).
Financial support(opens in a new window) may also be available to help pay for your living expenses while you study.
Contact the TAFE and Training Line(opens in a new window) for more information:
- Phone: 13 18 23(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Enquire online(opens in a new window).
Explore Training and careers in Victoria’s growing industries(opens in a new window) for information on:
- high-demand careers in Victoria – including what jobs involve, what skills you need and the VET pathways you can take
- real-life case studies from:
- students
- apprentices
- employees
- trainers
- employers in growth industries across Victoria
- VET and career information in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Visit our Employment Projections Dashboard(opens in a new window) to find out projected occupation and industry growth in Victoria over the next 3 and 10 years.
Explore our fact sheets(opens in a new window).
Contact a Skills and Jobs Centre(opens in a new window) for free qualified, independent advice and support on VET courses, career planning and finding a job in your local area.
Support and resolving issues
If you have a disability and you’re planning to study, ask your TAFE or course provider what support they have available.
Find out about more about disability support services for students(opens in a new window).
International students are not eligible for Skills First funding. However, you may be able to get other government assistance for study. See the Australian Government Study Assist Non-Australian Citizens page(opens in a new window) for more information.
If you are an asylum seeker, you may be eligible for the Asylum seeker VET program(opens in a new window).
You can also contact the TAFE and Training Line(opens in a new window) for more information:
- Phone: 13 18 23(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Enquire online(opens in a new window).
Read these articles for more information:
- What to do if your training provider closes(opens in a new window)
- Make a complaint as a student(opens in a new window).
You can also contact the TAFE and Training Line(opens in a new window) for help:
- Phone: 13 18 23(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Enquire online(opens in a new window).
You can request apprenticeship trade papers or VET student certificates from the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority(opens in a new window) (VRQA).
General VRQA enquiries
- Phone: 03 9637 2806(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm)
- Email: vrqa@education.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
VRQA apprenticeship and traineeship enquiries
- Phone: 1300 722 603(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm)
- Email: vrqa.apprenticeships@education.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
If you need help with the Victorian Skills Gateway, contact the following:
For enquiries on courses, course providers and government funding
Contact the TAFE and Training Line:
- Phone: 13 18 23(opens in a new window) (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)
- Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Enquire online(opens in a new window).
For technical issues
Contact victorian.skills.gateway@ecodev.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
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