A smoother start to study for TAFE Queensland students
Starting a new course is exciting - but it can also lead to students asking plenty of questions.
What should I bring? When does my course start? Where is my timetable? Who can help - and what do I need to do before day one?
TAFE Queensland has made answering those questions easier by giving new students earlier access to essential course and orientation information online, helping them prepare to start study with confidence.
From October this year, students starting a TAFE Queensland course in 2027 will gain earlier access to Connect and complete their 2027 Student Online Orientation.
This early access removes the previous pre-commencement waiting period, allowing students to prepare for study sooner rather than waiting until the end of the current academic year. Continuing students will retain access to the current orientation until the end of 2026.
TAFE Queensland General Manager Brisbane Region, Brent Kinnane, said the initiative began in Brisbane and was strengthened through collaboration across the organisation.
“This was a Brisbane initiative that has grown with the backing and expertise of working groups across TAFE Queensland,” Mr Kinnane said.
“Our focus was to give students earlier access to Connect so they can complete orientation, understand what to expect and feel prepared well before their course begins.”
“This early access creates a clearer, more coordinated start to study with us and ensures students receive the guidance they need at the right time.”
New Course Hubs
From Semester 1 2027, TAFE Queensland will also introduce refreshed Course Hubs, giving students one clear place to find all their relevant course information.
Course Hubs are dedicated spaces in Connect for course-level information and communications, complementing the Student Online Orientation and individual unit delivery areas.
The refreshed framework sets consistent minimum standards across TAFE Queensland while allowing courses and regions to tailor content to their students, industries and cohorts.
Students will be able to quickly find qualification guides, assessment information, orientation materials, timetables and teacher contact details.
Course Hubs can also include practical preparation information, such as uniform and equipment requirements, course news and updates, industry insights, pathways and employment opportunities.
“Course Hubs build on that early preparation by bringing essential course information together in one easy-to-navigate place,” explained Mr Kinnane.
“Students will have a reliable source of current information from faculty staff, helping them stay organised and know where to turn throughout their studies.”
“Together, the Course Hubs and earlier orientation access give students a more connected experience from enrolment through to their first class and beyond,” he said.
The improvements go beyond providing another online resource and are designed to support students before they begin and throughout their TAFE Queensland journey.
Students can use Course Hubs to understand course requirements, connect with support services, keep track of upcoming activities and explore industry and employment pathways.
TAFE Queensland will monitor student feedback and satisfaction after implementation to assess whether the changes improve understanding of course requirements, course organisation, awareness of support services and preparation for work.
Improving the student experience means viewing the journey from a student’s perspective - and continually making it clearer, more connected and easier to navigate.
The Earlier Access to Connect initiative and refreshed Course Hubs put TAFE Queensland’s commitment to placing students at the centre into action.
By putting the right information in the right place at the right time, TAFE Queensland is creating a smoother transition into study and stronger support throughout each student’s learning journey.
The changes will begin rolling out in October 2026, with the refreshed Course Hubs introduced progressively from Semester 1 2027.