Gold Coast TAFE offers senior students mid-year access to VET qualifications, including Certificate III to put towards ATAR

Senior high school students stuck at home are being offered unique mid-year access to Vocational Education and Training qualifications – some can put it towards their final ATAR score.

SENIOR high school students stuck at home are being offered unique mid-year access to Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, with some able to put it towards their final ATAR score.

TAFE Queensland Gold Coast general manager Karen Dickinson said the educator had increased the number of courses available to students in order to help them achieve their study goals during the current climate.

“High school students in year 10, 11 and 12 can access VET qualifications online, providing them with a creative outlet at a time where most other opportunities via school and extra-curricular mediums have been cancelled or postponed,” she said.

William Kirk, 16, is undertaking a Certificate III in Animal Studies through TAFE Gold Coast. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“The course offerings have shifted to focus on community services, health and nursing, creative industries, and specific trades in light of COVID-19.

“These new course offerings have been hand-picked for their ability, particularly in the Gold Coast region, to be suitably equipped and resourced for online delivery.

“Not only will these TAFE Queensland courses provide academic stimulation and career motivation during this time, but those students who complete a certificate III will have it count as an entire subject towards their final ATAR score.”

In the past, high school students have not had the opportunity to enrol into these courses via a mid-year intake, particularly in the case of community services, health and nursing qualifications.

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Ms Dickinson said the focus was about giving students access to VET qualifications via an online delivery model, with the option for necessary face-to-face classes to be facilitated at a later stage.

William Kirk, 16, is in Year 11 at Helensvale State High School and is undertaking a Certificate III in Animal Studies through TAFE Gold Coast.

William Kirk with his pet dog Luna. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“I have always loved animals, and when I got a chance to learn about them at TAFE I jumped on the opportunity as I would like to pursue marine wildlife when I leave school,” he said.

“We haven’t covered too much yet, but I have enjoyed learning about animals and how to tell if they are sick. I also love that it may give me a pathway into university if I choose to go in that direction.”

Bayley Pearl, 17, recently completed a Certificate III in Music Industry with TAFE

Queensland through the TAFE at School program.

“It is a great way to trial a career to see if it is something you really want to do before investing money and time into a university degree,” she said.

“Being able to study your chosen career outside the school environment with teachers who are industry professionals is such a fantastic stepping stone and will open the doors to more opportunities.”

Ms Dickinson said she was anticipating an increased interest in health-related courses due to “the heroic and selfless work health care staff are currently undertaking as we navigate through the pandemic”.

Applications are open until June 5 and can be submitted via www.tafeapply.com by using the code TQGC2002. Call 1300 308 233 or visit tafeqld.edu.au for more details.