TAFE Courses in Gold Coast

What is TAFE?

TAFE is designed to help students be job-ready as soon as they finish their vocational education. Unlike higher education, TAFE aims to give hands-on, practical experience in the industry rather than theoretical frameworks and focuses on traineeships and apprenticeships.

Typically, the qualification level sets out how long a course will go for and include:

• Certificate II
• Certificate III
• Certificate IV
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma

Funding for TAFE Queensland

The Qld government provides subsidies for a number of both short courses and more extended qualifications. These subsidies depend on what level qualification you complete, and in what area. Some subsidised areas of study include:

• Community Services
• Information Technology
• Beauty and Hairdressing Services
• Aged Care and Child Care, including Early Childhood Learning

Funded courses aim to give students a skill set that will help close the skills gaps that are particular to the Australian Gold Coast. They also apply to skills shortages in greater Queensland (including Brisbane), and even further afield in Australia. A course in an area with a skills gap could see you working in Perth full-time, in Melbourne part-time, or rural New South Wales. 

How can I study?

There are heaps of training courses with heaps of options. Generally, the method of learning will fall into one of three categories

1. Online Learning: Students complete online courses entirely online. It’s perfect for administration courses, or for people who own and run their own small business. It will also suit people doing a Graduate Diploma or other course where they’ve already learnt much of the underlying theory. Almost every training organisation has an online learning portal, and there are lots of student support and support services available.
2. Face to Face Learning: In-person learning is a popular option for traineeships, apprenticeships and hands-on courses like building or justice studies. Generally, it’s the best choice for courses that require real-world, in-person experience and training. 
3. Blended Learning: Blended learning means that much of the theory can be learned online. Still, testing or hands-on applications need to be done on a semi-regular basis. Blended learning is an excellent option on the Gold Coast because there is good accessibility. With plenty of nearby TAFE or VET campuses and learning centres in areas like Southport, Bundaberg, Coolangatta, Brisbane, and many other locations, the travel isn’t too far. 

International students should check with the independent registered training organisation (RTO) and with CRISCO to see which courses are right for them. 

If you live or work (or want to live or work!) on the Gold Coast, there are heaps of brilliant TAFE courses that you could do, so browse the list of courses above, and get started on your future today!