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Mythbusters: Why everything you thought about TAFE is wrong
When deciding which study option is best for you it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Is TAFE or university better? Everyone seems to have a different opinion on what the 'right' answer is, making it hard to separate fact from opinion.
There are plenty of people who'll tell you that university is the only way to set yourself up for a great career. But what you might not hear as much, is there are also many benefits of studying at a Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider (like TAFE Queensland).
The truth is VET graduates can earn as much (and more), are more employable, and have skills that are more relevant and adaptive to today’s job market. In the age of AI, automation and robotics, our courses provide the doers with the practical skills needed to keep up with a fast-paced world.
But if you're still not sure it's the right path for you, we've written this myth buster to set the record straight.
Myth #1: Outdated and irrelevant? Try industry-leading
Think our facilities linger from the 70s, or that our teachers and curriculum are as dusty as the workbenches? This is probably the biggest misconception about TAFE Queensland. But here's how we're really leading the way...
1. Purpose-built training facilities
Take a virtual tour of our industry-leading specialist trade workshops, our XR (Extended Reality), ICT and robotics hubs, and fully equipped (simulated) hospital wards. If it's used by industry, we'll teach it.
2. Industry-current teachers
Our teachers maintain industry currency. You won't find career academics here, only the experts who've been there, done that, proudly passing on their knowledge to the next generation.
Read Steve's teaching journey.
3. Shorter, adaptive courses
There's no point learning something that doesn't exist anymore. Our shorter courses meet the needs of today's employers and allow you to upskill into an entirely different career within 12 months.
Myth #2: Less employable? Try job-ready and in-demand
Australia is facing a critical skills shortage and TAFE Queensland provides training for the most in-demand roles, increasing your chances of finding meaningful work after graduating.
In 2024, 90 per cent of our degree-level graduates were employed (compared to 74 per cent of all university grads in full-time employment). Success was even higher for trade students, with 94.5 per cent employed after finishing their apprenticeship or traineeship in 2024.
Myth #3: Sub-par pay? Try equal (or higher) earning potential
It's widely acknowledged that getting almost any qualification will enhance your earning potential and job prospects. With industry-wide critical skill shortages (e.g., plumbers, electricians, nurses), employers are paying big bucks for starting salaries – especially compared to some white-collar professions that can take years before seeing similar wages. Not to mention, for many trades there is increased earning potential should you start your own business.
TAFE Queensland students also have the opportunity to earn while they learn, whether that's through an apprenticeship or by studying part time while working in industry. Often that extra practical experience is what gives them an edge over university graduates, who can take years longer to complete their qualification.
Explore some rewarding career pathways you can pursue with a VET qualification.
Myth #4: Dead-end jobs? Try AI-proofed careers
TAFE courses provide practical, real-world learning for in-demand roles that are better equipped to survive the AI revolution, including:
- construction
- renewables
- services (e.g. hospitality, retail, beauty)
- cyber security
- healthcare
- running your own business.
The reality: Our highly regarded real-world learning gives you the edge
Employers are busy and in need of confident, work-ready graduates who can jump in straight away. It's because of our close alignment to industry, the currency of our courses, and our practical, adaptable, teaching style, employers give us a 93 per cent satisfaction score.
And it's because of our close alignment to industry, we're trusted as an education partner to help improve their workforce skills and talent pipeline to cover future needs.
Ready to achieve greatness?
A VET course is one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to access education to increase your employment opportunities in a fast-evolving world. If you've been considering your training options, it might be time to challenge your misconceptions and choose TAFE Queensland to help you launch, progress or restart your career.