The Difference Between a TAFE and an RTO
Vocational Education Training or VET offers practical learning outcomes designed for specific career pathways. VET helps participants of a specific course or program acquire occupational or trade skills. VET’s learning approach combines the theoretical knowledge and the application of practical skills for a specific industry. According to the National Centre for Vocational Research, VET training was imported from Great Britain (Beddie 2010; Knight 2012), and VET’s main commitment is to develop vocational training through apprenticeships and institutional training. VET has been valuable in terms of developing workforce skills and addressing skills needs in Australia. VET has also helped broaden the national apprenticeship system and in targeting industries with skill shortages.
Since VET is vocational training, its students can be that of a high school leaver or a mature age learner (those who are already working in a certain industry and would like to upskill or shift careers). With VET, learners can choose from completing a certificate or a diploma program.
Vocational Education Training programs are offered in TAFEs (Technical and Further Education) and RTOs (Registered Training Organisations). The question now is whether to take in a TAFE or an RTO.
Vocational Education Training or VET offers practical learning outcomes designed for specific career pathways. VET helps participants of a specific course or program acquire occupational or trade skills. VET’s learning approach combines the theoretical knowledge and the application of practical skills for a specific industry. According to the National Centre for Vocational Research, VET training was imported from Great Britain (Beddie 2010; Knight 2012), and VET’s main commitment is to develop vocational training through apprenticeships and institutional training. VET has been valuable in terms of developing workforce skills and addressing skills needs in Australia. VET has also helped broaden the national apprenticeship system and in targeting industries with skill shortages.
Since VET is vocational training, its students can be that of a high school leaver or a mature age learner (those who are already working in a certain industry and would like to upskill or shift careers). With VET, learners can choose from completing a certificate or a diploma program.
Vocational Education Training programs are offered in TAFEs (Technical and Further Education) and RTOs (Registered Training Organisations). The question now is whether to take in a TAFE or an RTO.
What is an RTO?
A Registered Training Organisation or an RTO is a privately owned educational institution that offers nationally-accredited courses. Certificate and Diploma programs offered in RTOs often specialise in niche-based industries such as child care, community services, allied services, building and construction and automotive. Instructors in RTOs are often people who specialise and experts in their trade.
RTOs also offer their learners the convenience of having their training online and having a student support program.
What is TAFE?
Technical and Further Education or TAFE are funded, owned and operated by the Australian government. Each Australian territories has TAFEs except for Northern Territory. TAFE offers a broader range of programs compared to RTOs. However, TAFEs hold larger classes since it is government-owned.
If you are planning to pursue college in a more focused and flexible setting, Education Training and Employment Australia is a Registered Training Organisation who can help you decide on the right course to take. To get in touch with us,you may use any of the contact details listed below:
Education Training and Employment Australia
Email: info@etea.edu.au
Domestic Students: 131389
International : +61 3945 00500
Head Office: Level 1, 113 Burgundy St,
Heidelberg 3084, VIC
