Four reasons why TAFE is better…
1. The Style of Teaching
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in some ways the style of teaching at a TAFE is similar to that at secondary school. Class sizes are kept to a minimum. The maximum class size is 30 but most are 20-25. Practical classes are smaller ranging from 6-16. When you enrol into a TAFE course you usually remain with that group of students for the length of the course, consequently you will get to know them very well. Most students develop strong friendship with their classmates that last long after they have graduated. Because the class sizes are smaller you will get to know your teachers really well and they will with you. They will know your name and you will know theirs. TAFE teaching is personal and friendly. You will not feel like a number. If you come from a small school, single sex school or regional school this may be very important to you as the transition from secondary school to tertiary study can be very difficult and stressful.
2. Qualifications
You can obtain a wide range of qualifications from Certificates to Degrees. The amount of time you spend at TAFE will depend on the level of the qualification you complete. A Certificate II is usually about 10 weeks full time, a Diploma is 2 years and a Degree is 3 years. Each level will make you work ready. It will reflect a certain job description and remuneration package. TAFE qualifications also meet international standards, which means your qualifications will also be readily recognised overseas.
3.Flexibility
TAFE courses are written and overseen by a national body, which means a TAFE qualification can travel with you anywhere in Australia. Even if you are part way through your study you can move to another TAFE in the same state, or interstate, and pick up your study where you left it. TAFE courses are written in collaboration with industry bodies which means the things you are taught are the things you will need to know in order to work in that industry. You can even choose a study mode to suit your personal and work commitments. Most courses can be done part-time, flexibly or even online. You can exit a course at any level, return to at a later date and complete the next level up. All you have to do is show your transcript of results. And you can do this at any TAFE that teaches the course; you do not have to go back to your original TAFE.
4. Cost Effective
At a time when tertiary education is becoming more and more expensive and prohibitive, TAFE remains an economical option. TAFE is heavily subsidised by the state government. Students who enrol at a TAFE will only pay $1.31 per student contact hour, a maximum of $339 per year. On top of this they will pay student services fee and an amenities fee. A full time student at NMIT will pay between $1200-$1500 per year. TAFE also gives discounts to students who have a Health Care Card. This will reduce the fee to between $200-$500 per year. The cost of studying at TAFE is considerable less than at university. More and more students are choosing to commence their tertiary studies at TAFE because of the above reasons and then move onto university to complete higher qualifications. By doing it this way they are not only saving thousands of dollars but acquire two qualifications rather than one thereby increasing their employability skills.
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