Qualifications

GippsTAFE works within the Australian Qualifications Framework, offering a wide range of Nationally recognised courses.

Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)

Qualifications certify the knowledge and skills a person has achieved through study, training, work and life experience. They are a measure of our intellectual capital and increasingly important in a society where un-skilled jobs have disappeared, and continuous up-skilling is required in all forms of work and in day to day life.

The AQF helps all learners, employers and education and training providers to participate and navigate the qualifications system. Under the AQF, you can start at the level that suits you and then build up as your needs and interests develop and change over time. The Framework assists learners to plan their career progression, at whatever stage they are within their lives and when moving interstate or overseas.

In this way, the AQF supports national standards in education and training and encourages lifelong learning.

Explanation of Qualifications

GippsTAFE offers courses and qualifications at the following AQF levels:

Certificate I
Generally prepares you for basic workplace skills or further study. Selection for Certificate I courses does not require the successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

Certificate II
Generally prepares you with basic workplace skills, or further study. Generally course duration can range anywhere from 10 weeks to 6 months full time, and can include Pre-Apprenticeship or VET in Schools training.

Certificate III
Teaches you basic workplace skills, and can lead to higher level qualifications. Includes Apprenticeship training.

Certificate IV
Provides you with additional job skills, and will assist and enhance your career and employment prospects. A Certificate IV qualification is generally the first year of a Diploma level course.

Diploma
Courses offered at this level provide in-depth training for people who wish to work in Management or supervisory roles. In some instances can provide credits and pathways in to Higher Education (University) Degree programs.

Advanced Diploma
The highest level of qualification offered by GippsTAFE.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

GippsTAFE also offers VCE study at years 10 and 11 and the recently introduced VCAL .

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is awarded on behalf of the State Government of Victoria to students upon successful completion of Years 11 and 12 and allows entry to tertiary institutions.

Students in Year 12 are assessed using school coursework and external examinations. Outstanding students can extend their studies by undertaking a university subject within the VCE.

The VCE is one of the worlds most rigorous and valued higher secondary school certificates. It is accepted for tertiary entrance by renowned universities in North America, Asia and Europe.

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a new hands-on option for Years 11 and 12 students.
The VCAL gives you practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. And like the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) it is a recognised qualification.

Students who do the VCAL are likely to be interested in going on to training at Technical and Further Education (TAFE), doing an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing school. However, if you start your VCAL and then decide the VCE is the right option for you after all, it won't be too late to change your mind. In fact, any VCE units you complete as part of your VCAL will count towards your VCE, should you decide to transfer between certificate courses.

The VCAL's flexibility enables you to undertake a study program that suits your interests and learning needs. Fully accredited modules and units are selected for the following four compulsory strands:

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Industry Specific Skills
• Work Related Skills
• Personal Development Skills

If you successfully complete your VCAL, like your peers who complete the VCE, you will receive a certificate and a statement of results that details the areas of study you have completed.