Vocational education can be completed as a standalone qualification, as a pathway to higher education or as a form of professional development. TAFE courses can often be completed either part-time or full-time, so are also a popular option for those who need to work full-time while completing their learning.
TAFE Queensland allows for a variety of entry requirements, including recognition of prior learning, general education certificates, such as high school certificates, and work experience.
What kind of courses are available?
Depending on the level of expertise you want to achieve, you can choose a qualification level that suits you, with anything from a short course to an advanced Diploma. Possible courses in Toowoomba include:
- Certificate IV in Child Care
- Certificate III in Community Services
- Advanced Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Commercial Cookery
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Graphic Design
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
As you can see, courses are available not just in a range of qualification levels, but also in a range of areas. Whether you want to complete a traineeship in hairdressing or achieve the highest level of training in dental assisting, there’s a course that’s right for you!
How to study
Depending on what you study, there is often a range of opportunities in terms of how you can complete courses. As Toowoomba isn’t a capital city, many courses may be taught either online or off-campus of a training organisation or university campus, or in a blended learning capacity.
If you study entirely online in QLD you’ll need access to a strong internet connection, and can study full or part-time. There’s often a great deal of individual support available via online learning to ensure that students completing an online course have plenty of help.
Some courses do require you to regularly attend either class or relocate. For example, if you’re doing a course in performing arts, it’s likely that the classes need to be attended in person. This may mean looking at courses in Brisbane or in the South West of Queensland.
Meanwhile, blended learning means you have a mix of both, and is good for courses like aged care or even beauty therapy – you can learn the theory at home but get hands-on experience in southern Queensland, on the gold coast or wherever the most convenient education support services are available for you.
International students should ensure that they check further details (entry requirements, view course guides, eligibility criteria etc) to ensure that the TAFE courses you’re interested in are suitable.
Equally, many aboriginal and Torres strait island students who are interested in studying at a major institute of TAFE or at another RTO may be eligible for funding options.
So whether you’re a small business owner looking to learn more about micro-financing or want to study people management at a large human resources training provider campus, get started on your future by browsing our list of available courses in Toowoomba today!