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Pathways through TAFE

There are plenty of options when it comes to getting into vocational study – find the pathway that suits you.

If you're not quite ready to jump straight into a TAFE course, there are plenty of other options to get you on your way to your dream career. It doesn't matter if you're still at school, between jobs or thinking about a career change – you'll find something that suits your level and interests.

Pathways for high schoolers

You can complete the VCE Vocational Major before starting a TAFE course. VCE VM is all about hands-on learning – designed to prepare you for trades.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) let you combine school, paid work and vocational training in industries like agriculture, automotive, community services, IT and retail. You'd typically study VCE or VCE VM three days a week and spend two days working and training toward a Certificate II or III.

You can complete a SBATs with Federation in Ballarat or Wimmera. If you’re in Ballarat, register your interest by emailing Julie Trewavis at j.trewavis@federation.edu.au. If you’re in Wimmera, please contact Kim Boulton at k.boulton@federation.edu.au.

VET delivered in secondary schools allows you to work toward a TAFE qualification while completing Years 11 and 12. It's a way to combine your regular school subjects with vocational training so you can develop job‑ready skills and get a head start on further TAFE study.

You can complete VETDSS with Federation in Ballarat or Wimmera. If you’re in Ballarat, register your interest by emailing Julie Trewavis at j.trewavis@federation.edu.au. If you’re in Wimmera, please contact Kim Boulton at k.boulton@federation.edu.au.

Get a taste of TAFE

Join a TAFE taster to learn more about different career options and get practical experience. For more information or to register your school's interest, email Rebecca Perovic at r.perovic@federation.edu.au.

Pathways for pre-apprentices and apprentices

If you're not ready for a full apprenticeship, you enrol in a pre‑apprenticeship through the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) or Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation. This training will give you an idea of what it might be like to work in a particular industry and when you complete the program, you can go on to do an apprenticeship or further study. 

Apprenticeships combine real on‑the‑job experience with structured training. Anyone of working age can start one, and you don’t need any previous qualifications. You can train full‑time or part‑time, and your existing skills may even reduce how long it takes to finish. When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll earn a nationally recognised qualification that can lead straight into work or further study.