Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why should I consider a TAFE course?
Q2. Why do so many people enrol in TAFE courses?
Q3. What is it like to study at GippsTAFE?
Q4. What do I need to take when applying in person to enrol in a course?
Q5. What are entry requirements for GippsTAFE courses?
Q6. How does GippsTAFE decide who gets into courses?
Q7. Can I start a GippsTAFE course in mid year?
Q8. What courses can I do if I only complete Year 10?
Q9. What if I am a mature age student?
Q10. Does TAFE have correspondence courses?
Q11. Are there any GippsTAFE courses that I can start if I have a job or other daytime commitments?
Q12. Can TAFE help me with my maths and English if I am struggling in my studies?
Q13. Are there any costs if I do a course at TAFE?
Q14. Does everyone have to pay the full fee?
Q15. What if I cannot afford to do the course?
Q16. If I withdraw will I get a refund?
Q17. Does GippsTAFE assist people with disabilities and disadvantages?
Q18. Can I get Austudy or the Youth Allowance for a TAFE course?
Q19. Can I do VCE full time at a TAFE Institute instead of at school?
Q20. Can I apply for an apprenticeship through TAFE?
Q21. Can I transfer my GippsTAFE course to another Institute or Interstate?
Q22. If I have already studied at University, can I enrol in TAFE?
Q23. How can I find out more about TAFE courses?
Why should I consider a TAFE course?
GippsTAFE courses are a great way to start your career. They are called vocational education because they are directly related to the needs of business and industry. This means that the courses are based around the sort of skills you will need at work. GippsTAFE courses are designed and updated with help from the employers who might be your future managers, so they are up-to-date and directly related to specific jobs. TAFE is Victoria’s largest provider of post-secondary education and training.
Why do so many people enrol in TAFE courses?
TAFE courses are developed in close association with industry so they clearly match the needs of the market place. They teach practical skills and knowledge so you are prepared to perform useful tasks from your first day on the job. Over the last few years the world of work has undergone a lot of changes. Advances in technology and the restructuring of many industries are changing the way work is organised and the jobs people do. Workers need to be able to turn their hands to many different tasks and to adapt quickly to change. This makes their jobs more varied and interesting. It also means that, through TAFE and other training programs, it is easier for people to move from their first job in an office or manufacturing environment into management and professional jobs. If you are straight from school, GippsTAFE courses can train you for that important first job. If you are an adult, you can use GippsTAFE to improve your skills and increase your job choices. Because many of the jobs people will be doing in 2005 probably haven’t been invented yet, the chances are that people in training now, and in the future, will return to GippsTAFE to update and extend their skills.
What is it like to study at GippsTAFE?
The GippsTAFE student population varies in size from a few hundred to more than 1000 students spread over many campuses within the Gippsland region. Most TAFE study is in small classes, typically of about 20 students, rather than in large lectures. Students are given individual attention. As with other tertiary institutions, GippsTAFE students are expected to organise their timetables and study programs, and meet deadlines. Classes are held both daytime and evening, and your class may contain a range of adult students of various ages and backgrounds, some studying full time and others part time.
GippsTAFE offers personal and vocational counselling services, disability support and accommodation referral. Campus facilities may include cafeterias, study facilities, computers, internet access and libraries.
What do I need to take when applying in person to enrol in a course?
You need to take your education records and any other supporting information you think the GippsTAFE selection officers may like to consider, such as work experience reports, art folios, certificates, references, etc. If you have worked and are returning to study, then you should take relevant documents with you, which show the type of training and experience you have had. For courses which require VTAC application, check “Special Requirements” in the VTAC Guide. VTAC Guides are available from Newsagents.
What are entry requirements for GippsTAFE courses?
Some GippsTAFE courses require satisfactory completion of VCE (Year 12 of secondary school). Some may require that you are employed or have previous work experience in a relevant area. Others may have educational requirements such as a particular subject or subjects. Most courses also accept mature age students even if they haven’t completed their VCE. Mature age people may apply to have their previous life and work experiences recognised This is called “Recognition of Prior Learning”, (RPL). Feel free to contact GippsTAFE for further details regarding RPL.
Some courses may require you to present a folio of work while others may require you to attend an interview or to sit an aptitude test. Entry is competitive. Popular courses may have many more applications than places available. If you are applying through VTAC, it is important to check the pre-requisite subjects and the “Special Requirements” listed for each course in the VTAC guide.
How does GippsTAFE decide who gets into courses?
All offers for entry to GippsTAFE courses, including those processed by VTAC, are made by the Institute’s selection officers. Many GippsTAFE Departments have their own selection procedures and they vary from course to course. Your performance at interviews and tests can be important. Some practical courses require you to show a folio of your work. Selection officers may ask about your knowledge of the course and the careers associated with it.
Can I start a GippsTAFE course in mid year?
Yes, some courses have two or more enrolment dates each year. Many GippsTAFE Departments take students into courses starting after February, and throughout the year, particularly at mid-year. Sometimes these courses are full-time but more often they are on a part-time basis. You will need to check this for specific courses within each GippsTAFE Department where you intend to apply.
What courses can I do if I only completed Year 10?
You can attend a TAFE Institute after Year 10 if you have obtained an apprenticeship or traineeship with an employer, although most employers prefer to take on new apprentices and trainees who have satisfactorily completed at least VCE Units 1 and 2 (Year 11). You do not have to be a school leaver to start an apprenticeship - many employers accept older people who have been out in the workforce for a few years. Although you will greatly increase your employment opportunities by staying on at school to complete VCE, there are several special TAFE programs for early school leavers. If you have only completed Year 10 and are unsure as to the course you wish to study simply contact the GippsTAFE Student Support Officer for advice, (phone: 51270102)
What if I am a mature age student?
If you are over 18 and have been out of full-time education for at least a year, TAFE classifies you as a “mature age student” and you can apply to do adult VCE (years 11 and 12) at GippsTAFE. In this case, it may not be necessary for you to have completed the first four years of secondary schooling, if you can show that you have the ability to cope with the level of study. You will also be eligible for mature age entry into other GippsTAFE courses.
Does TAFE have correspondence courses?
Yes - At GippsTAFE they are called Open Training studies. For details regarding Open Training at GippsTAFE please contact the GippsTAFE Open Training Centre on 51204500.
Are there any GippsTAFE courses that I can start if I have a job or other daytime commitments?
Yes. GippsTAFE provides many part-time evening classes for people who cannot attend during the day and wish to pursue studies for skills enhancement, and promotion.
It is also possible to have a part-time job and do a GippsTAFE course part-time during the day. Some courses can be studied at home through Open Training studies You may be able to start a part-time course and later change to full-time, or vice versa. So there are a number of options to choose from.
Can TAFE help me with my Maths and English if I am struggling in my studies?
The GippsTAFE Community Access Department offers a wide variety of return to study subjects, and Certificates in General Education for Adults which are of particular assistance to those students who may require special support within certain areas of study.
Are there any costs if I do a course at TAFE?
Yes, Please see the fees page for further information.
Does everyone have to pay the full fee?
Concessions and exemptions are available, depending on eligibility. Currently, anybody receiving Government benefits, allowances or pensions and all Koorie students may be exempt from paying tuition fees, although they may be required to pay a small enrolment fee. Books and other materials must be purchased personally. Students in receipt of Austudy currently receive 50% concession on the tuition fee. Exemption policies may change. Students should direct their enquiries to the GippsTAFE Student Services Department to see if they are eligible for concessions and exemptions, prior to enrolment.
What if I cannot afford to do the course?
There are exemptions, concessions and student loans facilities available to students.
If I withdraw will I get a refund?
Yes, if you withdraw within the first four weeks of most courses. In these circumstances, most of your money will be refunded, and if you are withdrawing to undertake another tertiary course, all of your money will be refunded.
Does GippsTAFE assist people with disabilities and disadvantages?
GippsTAFE have trained staff to assist students with disabilities in succeeding with their studies. Special equipment, counselling and tutoring services may also be available.
GippsTAFE have allocated parking spaces for people with physical disabilities and reasonable wheelchair access. Contact the Institute’s Student Services area for further information.
Can I get Austudy or the Youth Allowance for a TAFE course?
Yes, if you are eligible. To be eligible for the Austudy allowance, you must meet requirements such as an income test, a check on your previous studies, and so on.
Note that Austudy is not available for most part-time courses and short courses.
To find out if you might qualify for Austudy, please contact Centrelink.
Can I do VCE full-time at a TAFE Institute instead of at school?
TAFE does not offer full-time VCE studies to school age students, who should enquire at their local secondary school. However, people over the age of 18, who have been out of full-time education for more than one year, are eligible to study the Adult VCE at a TAFE Institute, either part-time or full-time.
GippsTAFE does offer the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). VCAL is a more hands on approach equivalent to the VCE. For additional details please contact the GippsTAFE Community Access Department.
Can I apply for an apprenticeship through TAFE?
GippsTAFE runs courses which may increase your chances of securing an apprenticeship. These are called pre-apprenticeship or pre-vocational courses and many do not require you to find an employer first. To do an apprenticeship course at a TAFE Institute, you must first find an individual employer or a group training scheme who will employ you. Then it is up to you and your employer to choose a TAFE Institute that suits you both.
Can I transfer my GippsTAFE course to another Institute or interstate?
Yes, you can transfer into the same course at another Victorian TAFE Institute, if there is a vacancy in the course at that Institute. Accredited TAFE subjects completed at GippsTAFE are fully transferable to other TAFE Institute courses.
If I have already studied at university, can I enrol in TAFE?
Many GippsTAFE students have already completed all or part of a university degree, and are now gaining a vocational qualification to improve their employment chances. If the tertiary course you have already studied has some studies in common with the TAFE course you enrol in, you may be able to gain credits for parts of the TAFE course.
How can I find out more about TAFE courses?
- Contact the GippsTAFE Student Support Officer on tel: 5127 0102
- Consult the TAFE Courses Guide, which is available from schools, TAFE and public libraries in Victoria
- Visit or ring GippsTAFE
- Attend the GippsTAFE Open day.