Claire Pech

Demystifying the prejudice on TAFE versus university

At an academically rigorous school such as Emanuel I’ve written a statement that many won’t agree with. For some students, TAFE (Technical and Further Education) can be the best studying option.

TAFE can be the number one place for those who learn better in a hands-on environment, who like smaller classes and who learn better by doing than by hearing the content. I see students every year who end up at university rather than a technical institution because of societal and family pressure, personal expectation or having their own reservations about going to TAFE. The reality is that they drop out of the course they are in, they don’t enjoy their time there and they end up unhappy and wasting another year. For many technical careers, TAFE is the preferred supplier of those skills. So if you wanted to learn about early childhood to work in a pre-schsool, I would recommend TAFE over a private college. If you wanted to learn a trade, a skill, a technical skill set I would encourage you to look at TAFE and explore all of the options.

I have a good friend who always knew he wanted to work with his hands. His academic ability and interest level were not well suited to university, and as a result he started an apprenticeship and learnt his craft at TAFE straight out of school. He became a registered carpenter and soon after got his building licence. Now 20+ years on he has set up his own building company, which has gone from strength to strength. This company now employs other apprenticeships and carpenters. In terms of success (depending on how you measure it), he owns his own house, and has four other properties in Sydney. He has a work-life balance that has him home with his kids at five o’clock every day. He loves what he does and still enjoys being on the tools. So TAFE for most of Emanuel students is not the right option but for some it is, and we must support exploring this as an option and lifting the lid on our prejudices.

Sydney TAFE: Information Sessions

Jewellery: 16 November 2016, 6 pm – 8 pm, Building D, Room D1.08, Design Centre Enmore TAFE

Entertainment, Design and Illustration: 16 November 2016, 6 pm to 8 pm, Building G, Room GG.10, Design Centre Enmore

Library and Information Services: 17 November, Sydney Institute, Building G, Level 3, Room G 3.15, Thomas Street, Ultimo

Business: 22 November, 6 pm – 7:30 pm, Lower Ground Floor, Room FLG19, St George College, Corner of President Avenue and Princes Highway, Kogarah

Fashion Technology: 23 November, 6 pm – 8 pm, Building M, Room M1.11, Mont Street, St George

http://sydneytafe.edu.au/newsevents/events

Apprenticeship Careers Australia

Those interested in apprenticeships can check out the career focus here:

http://www.apprenticeshipcareers.com.au/workforus

Sydney TAFE Career Guide 2017

The new TAFE guide is now available to download. This is a good starting point to browse the many options.

http://sydneytafe.edu.au/sites/default/files/files/2017-Career-Guide.pdf

Automotive Apprenticeships

WPC Group have multiple opportunities for motor enthusiasts to commence working with Australia’s leading automotive companies. Apprenticeship intake for 2017 is now open.

wpcgroup.typeform.com/to/E3oyMm

www.autoapprenticeships.org.au/

Design Centre Enmore Open Day

This open day is on 25 November and the last weekend in November, 10 am to 3 pm, at 110 Edgeware Rd, Enmore. Meet teachers and current students, learn about the range of courses including degrees, tour the campus, and be inspired by the possibilities.

http://sydneytafe.edu.au/newsevents/events/design-centre-enmore-open-day-2016

Good articles outlining the differences between Tafe and Universities:

University or Tafe? www.careerfaqs.com.au/news/ask-jo/uni-or-tafe

The Univeristy or Tafe Debate – interesting article by hijacked. http://hijacked.com.au/the-university-vs-tafe-debate

Which qualification to take on? (good article outlining the differences between the certificates and qualifications available at TAFE).

www.training.com.au/ed/certificate-diploma-or-bachelor-what-should-you-take-on/