Selection criteria
Student applicants must complete an application form which includes a detailed written recommendation by the school’s Principal, VET Coordinator or Senior Teacher for the student to undertake the studies. As well, applicants undertake a supervised online English and Maths assessment which is aligned to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). However, this assessment is not required if the student can provide evidence of a sound result or higher (ie. C or above) from their previous year of school studies (ie. Year 10) in English and Maths.
Adult applicants with no previous classroom work experience are acceptable as Certificate III students. English and Maths pre-enrolment acceptance tests must be undertaken. These tests are a supervised online English and Maths assessment which is aligned to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
Whilst this course has no specific entry requirements, the unit CUAATS101 - Develop understanding of own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Identity requires interpretation of one's own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island cultural identity in order to complete the unit of competency. Due to this requirement, enrolment into this core unit is limited to those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Students who do not identify as Indigenous or Torres Strait Islanders who complete all other units in this qualification will only receive a Statement of Attainment.
Resources required
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
Placement
During your course you will be required to complete vocational placement at a RATEP location so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland will assist in arranging placements.
Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 100 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Need to know
This course is offered through RATEP. RATEP is a community-based teacher education program that provides a direct pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote, rural and regional locations to become registered teachers or qualified teacher aides. The RATEP program is a partnership between TAFE Queensland North Region, Queensland Education Department and James Cook University. Currently there are several RATEP sites throughout the state, providing teacher training at the Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma levels. Students are also able to study via an offsite delivery model with teaching support using online technology and regular phone, email and SMS communications.
RATEP locations are as follows:
- Barambah
- Cairns West State School
- Mackay
- Mareeba
- Maryborough
- Mount Isa
- Ravenshoe
- Rockhampton
- St George and Surrounding Region
- Toowoomba
- Townsville
- Yarrabah
- Off-site delivery state wide
If students in Queensland are unable to access a RATEP site, there is also study available via an offsite delivery model with teaching support using online technology and regular phone, email and SMS communications. Fully funded residential blocks in Cairns are also offered as part of the course. Students completing the Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education receive one year's credit towards a Bachelor of Education through James Cook University.