Why SWTAFE

TAFEs offer practically oriented courses that are designed to give you the skills, training, and qualifications you need for the workforce. Our courses enable you to gain qualifications for all types of employment and specific skills to help you in the workplace.

You will be more employable

TAFE graduates have a high employment rate. 83.1% of students who completed a course at SWTAFE in 2024 were employed or enrolled in further study after training.1

High employment outcomes

81 out of the top 100 largest growing occupations in Victoria are attainable via a TAFE education.2

TAFE unlocking opportunities

By 2026, 9 in 10 new jobs will require a post-school education. And 80% of future jobs are attainable via a TAFE education.2

You will learn specific skills

When you study a TAFE course, you’re learning hands-on practical skills that you need to do a specific job; whereas university degrees tend to focus more on the theory aspect, giving you a large general knowledge base in your chosen field.

Spend less time, less money

The length and cost of a TAFE course are also key differences between TAFE and a university.
TAFE courses typically take from six months to two years to complete, while university degrees can require a minimum of three or four years full-time.

You’ll earn while you learn

TAFE allows you to work while you train, whether that’s through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, or by studying part-time while working in industry. Often, that extra practical experience is what gives you an edge over university graduates.

1. National Centre for Vocational Education Research, VET Outcomes 2024
2. The Value of TAFE in Victoria, McCrindle May 2024