What is studying Free TAFE really like?

What is studying Free TAFE really like?

Considering Free TAFE? We caught up with three graduates to chat about their experience studying Free TAFE courses at RMIT.

Share

 If you’re thinking about changing industry, turning your passion into a career, or reskilling to get back into the workforce, RMIT offers Free TAFE options that will help you achieve your goals sooner. 

Free TAFE for priority courses enables eligible Victorians to build job-ready skills without paying tuition fees. If you complete a course within one of the Free TAFE pathways you can also access specific, related courses tuition-free. This means you can do a certificate and a diploma within the same pathway without paying tuition fees.  

Here’s what studying a Free TAFE course looks like and how it helps you get ready for what’s next. 

EMBA student

A career born from a passion for helping others

Having worked as an early childhood educator for over eight years, moving into community service was a long-time consideration for Edwina Saines. 

“I enjoyed working with children and families and was curious to see how I could develop my skills in youth work or family services," she said. 

Edwina was interested in studying community services for a number of years but couldn’t afford the fees prior to finding her Free TAFE course.  

“Free TAFE really was a gamechanger for me. I was incredibly excited when I found out the Certificate IV in Community Services was on the list of courses and I was eligible.” 

“The certificate attracts such a variety of people with all types of life experiences that I had the privilege of hearing about throughout our study time together. 

“These first-hand recollections are what stay with you and remind you what the community services sector is all about.” 

After finishing her certificate, Edwina also completed a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) with RMIT. One of the subjects covered in the diploma helped her learn about Australia's domestic violence epidemic. 

One of the subjects covered in the diploma helped her learn about Australia's domestic violence epidemic. 

“When we covered this subject, it really shed light on the depth of this crisis and the root causes of it in Australia. It has influenced my career direction and I’m excited to be applying to study counselling next year. 

“I’m hoping to use my next qualification to make a difference within the family violence sector.” 

Formalising and expanding an accounting skillset

Throughout his career, Jonathan Pipke developed a broad set of finance skills. However, when he discovered that the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and Accountancy was a Free TAFE option at RMIT, he saw an opportunity.As someone who returned to study and also had to juggle full time work, he knows the anxiety that can come with finding a study-life balance. 

“Don’t be deterred thinking you cannot do a course due to work commitments,” said Jonathan.  

“My course was all online and in the evenings. Even if you miss a class, they are recorded to watch later, and the teachers were always willing to assist to make sure you stayed up to date.” 

“Even with it being an online class, I was surprised how much camaraderie was built up amongst the students and with the teachers.” 

For Jonathan, this course was a way to gain a formal qualification that consolidated a skillset he had been exploring in his professional life for many years.  

Not only did it refine and sharpen his CV, but it also inspired him to continue down the path of academic study. After completing the certificate, he began a Diploma of Accounting, with the goal of further developing his growing expertise and qualifications. 

Man looking into the foreground

Pursuing a fulfilling career in youth work after changing industries

After hearing about the demand for youth workers, Rhys McKenzie decided that now was the time to pivot his career to an area that held a special place in his own personal story. 

“I thought about it long and hard and it came down to me saying to myself, ‘Someone was there for you when you were young, so why not be there for somebody in the same position?’” 

With Free TAFE enabling Rhys to study a Certificate IV in Youth Work, he soon discovered that youth work is more than the ability to help others. 

“It’s not just about learning how to work with young people; it’s about learning about yourself so you can help young people,” he said. 

After completing the certificate, Rhys decided to continue his journey with a  Diploma of Youth Work at RMIT.  

He said one of the highlights of the diploma was being able to bring his personal passion for filmmaking into a placement undertaken with the Deer Park Library. 

He said one of his highlights of the diploma was being able to bring his personal passion for filmmaking into a virtual placement undertaken with the Deer Park Library.  

"Our project was to provide young people with videos on topics they had enquired about with the library staff. The team of students and I created a massive pool of videos that addressed most of these topics. It was a lot of work, but I had a lot of fun doing them and would definitely do it again.” 

Having completed his vocational training at RMIT, Rhys is now working as a support worker at the Salvation Army. 

“This involves checking in on our clients that are staying in the hotels, completing welfare checks, helping with food and travel aid, and working with their case managers to help them achieve their goals. 

“I aspire to work in a school as a youth worker or counsellor one day. Right now, my main goal is to gain as much experience as possible.” 

 

Story: Pallavi Daniel and Jacob Johnston

You might also be interested in...

Social work students

Aged care, youth work and disability courses that will help you land a job

Find a career that will help you have a positive impact by studying a hands-on aged care, youth work, or disability course at RMIT.

RMIT student, Vinisha

Seven soft skills you need on your résumé

Including examples of soft skills in your résumé is one of the most effective ways to stand out to employers, but which skills are most in demand?

A game design student using a VR headset with handheld controllers while another student watches

What does hands-on learning look like at RMIT?

Ever wondered what hands-on learning looks like in your dream course? Practical learning is more than just work experience – discover what hands-on learning means at RMIT.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information