What’s next? Six reasons to study vocational education

What’s next? Six reasons to study vocational education

The world is rapidly changing around us, and now more than ever people are (re)thinking their careers. Do you need to upskill or reskill? Here’s six reasons why studying vocational education (VE) could be perfect for you.

Vocational education is the umbrella term for certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, apprenticeships and traineeships.

You might have heard it referred to as Technical and Further Education (TAFE), VE or VET.

As a dual-sector university, RMIT offers vocational study that can lead to your dream career of further study.

Whether you're looking to kick-start your career or re-skill, here are some reasons why vocational study might be perfect for you.

A young woman is using a laptop comfortably in the living room at home. Vocational education at RMIT is flexible, allowing you to study when and where you want.

1. It’s an amazing way to gain hands-on experience

Vocational education is designed to equip students with the skills and know-how needed in the work force.

Whether it’s working with real-life client briefs in an Associate Degree of Fashion Textiles and Merchandising  or working in a live television studio through the Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services, VE offers skills that directly relate to what is required for the future workforce.

Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media graduate, Aaron Farugia, said the practical experience he gained at RMIT was the perfect kick-start to a rewarding screen career.

“Since moving on to cinematography I’ve gotten to shoot all around the world. I’ve done TV commercials for lots of big brands, for tourism in the Philippines and throughout China, property development in Vietnam,” Aaron said.

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2. It can get you job-ready sooner with modern learning techniques

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Vocational Education Mish Eastman said many people were looking to reskill for their long-term future in response to COVID-19.

“Understanding your skills and the skills needed by employers can help you pivot quickly now and point you in the direction of where you might want to go in the longer-term,” she said.

3. Learning is flexible

Through vocational education, you can learn at an industry level, on your own terms.

We all lead busy lives, and having flexibility, enables you to study when and where you want.

Advanced Diploma in Business (Public Relations) graduate, Luke Mitchell, juggled study with work and volunteering throughout his degree.

“I was working full-time, I was still doing radio, and I wanted to find a course that I knew I could fit in with my life. And when I was looking at postgrad options, RMIT stood out to me,” Mitchell said.

His hard work paid off, receiving a Robert Masters and Associates Prize which is awarded to the most outstanding graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Business (Public Relations).

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4. Get the skills, more quickly

Vocational eductaion courses can range from six months to three years. Learning is conducted by industry practitioners, with years of experience and specialised expertise.

Matthew Lillywhite completed a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping over six months and says it created more interesting work and opportunities in his career.

“The teachers are fantastic, very supportive and able to boil down complex concepts to simple components,” he said.

“I’m getting the financial skills, which gives me more options, in more places, for an interesting career, helping me add value to businesses – which makes me more employable.”

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5. Smaller classes and one-on-one learning

Vocational education courses generally have smaller groups of students, which means stronger relationships with your classmates and teaching staff.

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical) graduate Sebastian Mollison said the additional support he received gave him the confidence to enter a local mechatronics competition.

“One of my teachers saw I was doing quite well and recommended me towards a small competition,” he said.

“I just said ‘sure’ to get a day off and compete in something I really enjoyed. So I competed and ended up coming in second.”

6. VE can launch you into bigger and better things

Many students choose to start off in a VE course and use it as a pathway to further education.

This gives students practical know-how first and enables further theoretical skills to be built from a higher-education (HE) degree later.

You can also knock off a few years of study with recognition of prior learning, so you’re effectively getting more in fewer years.

After he completed his Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical), Mollison furthered his studies with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (Honours).

 

Story: Caleb Scanlon

09 July 2020

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09 July 2020

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