Vocational educational and training (VET) also known as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) gives you the practical skills and knowledge to do a job in the workplace such as in retail or an office, or in a trade.
VET combines on-the-job training with learning from a registered training organisation to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
A VET qualification can help you to start out in the workforce, or move up in your career, and it’s not just for traditional trades! VET encompasses many different industries and occupations including retail, hospitality, technology, accounting, agriculture, and care sectors such as aged care, disability and early childhood care.
Get a VET or TAFE qualification in the Territory
In the Territory, VET qualifications are delivered by private institutions and Charles Darwin University (CDU). Elsewhere in Australia, private institutions as well as government institutions (called TAFE institutions) deliver VET.
You can only take VET from a registered training organisation (RTO) that is recognised across Australia, and able to qualify you for a licensed occupation.
For qualifications and a list of RTOs, go to the Australian Government's training website.
You can also view a list of the international education and training providers operating in the Territory.
You can combine VET with paid work by getting an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Apprenticeships are a type of vocation training that take 3 to 4 years to complete. Apprentices earn a wage, that gradually increases, whilst working towards a qualification in a trade such as building and construction, commercial cookery, or hairdressing, electrotechnology, automotive and more.
Traineeships consists of training under a supervisor to work in a business-related field within a particular industry, such as marketing, administration, information communication technology (ICT), community services, Hospitality and more. A traineeship usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete and tends to be broader than an apprenticeship.
You can undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship part-time while still studying for your Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) in high school. School based apprentices or trainees are employed by a business and will earn a wage.
You can read more about VET in School or speak to your school’s VET coordinator or career advisor to find out more about eligibility.
You may be able to get help with training and upgrading your skills.
The Northern Territory government offers funding for a range of courses in priority sectors, giving you practical skill for the workforce.
Eligible students can access free TAFE and VET in the NT through Charles Darwin University and the Batchelor Institute.
You can find out more about free training courses and eligibility criteria on the Northern Territory Government website.
You can read more about VET in the Northern Territory on the Workforce Territory website.
For possible career paths and the difference between university, VET or an apprenticeship or traineeship, go to the Australian Government's myfuture website.
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