Entering TAFE

(Taken from an article in the Age February 9^th 1999)

There is more than one way to get into TAFE. There are short courses (look for ones labelled "courses in"), part-time study, mid-year and mature entry. If no full-time places are available, ask about part-time options.

These TAFE courses will not be found in some of the standard VTAC (year 12) guide and can often be a good avenue into the longer term programmes in your chosen field. For courses with mid-year intakes put your name on a waiting list or phone the TAFE Course Line on 131 823.

Alternatively, completing a short course can add to your skills and increase your chances of mid-year intake. For example, places are filled well in advance for the TAFE Certificate 4 in Health Nursing but a short medical terminology course could help secure a place at a later date.

In many cases the direct approach works when all else fails, says Mark Kennedy, an administrator at Swinburne University of Technology�s TAFE division. For a number of Certificate 2 & 3 level courses you must apply direct to the TAFE. Even if courses are full, TAFE Institutes still take applications.

Some students don�t show up to enrol, others have accepted a place but decline it for a second round offer. This opens up new places for others and can extend through to the start of classes and beyond. Above all keep the lines of communication open. Speak to selection officers regularly and register your name and contact details in case late vacancies arise.