Pathways through TAFE
There are plenty of options when it comes to vocational study – find the pathway that suits you.
Your TAFE journey
TAFE courses are structured in levels – from Certificate I through to Advanced Diploma – with each step building your skills, knowledge and confidence. You can go straight from a foundation qualification to the workplace, but further study will broaden your expertise and open up more job opportunities.
TAFE levels
Certificate II
Certificate III
Certificate IV
Diploma
Advanced diploma
TAFE pathways
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Certificate II pathway course |
Certificate III pathway course |
Certificate IV pathway course |
Diploma pathway course |
Advanced Diploma pathway course |
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Pathway 1 |
Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-Apprenticeship |
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Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying OR |
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Pathway 2 |
Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways |
Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying OR |
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Pathway 3 |
Certificate II in Plumbing |
Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying OR |
Qualifications can be started at any time. For example, you don't need to complete your Certificate IV in Building and Construction before enrolling in the Diploma of Building and Construction.
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Certificate II pathway course |
Certificate III pathway course |
Certificate IV pathway course |
Certificate IV pathway course |
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Pathway 1 |
Certificate II in Mumgu-dhal tyama-tiyt community, connection and pathways |
Certificate III in Learning an Australian First Nation Language |
Certificate IV in Learning an Australian First Nation Language |
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Pathway 2 |
Certificate II in Learning an Australian First Nation Language |
Certificate III in Learning an Australian First Nation Language |
Certificate IV in Learning an Australian First Nation Language |
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Pathway 3 |
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Certificate IV in Cyber Security OR |
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Pathway 4 |
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Certificate II pathway course |
Certificate III pathway course |
Certificate IV pathway course |
Diploma pathway course |
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Pathway 1 |
Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade OR Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade OR |
OR |
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Pathway 2 |
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Pathway 3 |
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Certificate II pathway course |
Certificate III pathway course |
Diploma pathway course |
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Pathway 1 |
Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics |
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Pathway 2 |
Certificate III in Hairdressing OR Certificate III in Barbering |
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Certificate II pathway course |
Certificate III pathway course |
Certificate IV pathway course |
Diploma pathway course |
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Pathway 1 |
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Pathway 2 |
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Pathway 3 |
Certificate II in Horticulture |
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Pathway 4 |
Certificate II in Hospitality |
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Pathway 5 |
Certificate II in Cookery |
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery OR OR |
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Certificate II pathway course |
Certificate III pathway course |
Certificate IV pathway course |
Diploma pathway course |
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Pathway 1 |
Certificate II in Health Support Services |
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Pathway 2 |
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Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance |
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Pathway 3 |
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Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance |
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Pathway 4 |
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Certificate III in Community Services |
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Pathway 5 |
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Certificate III in Community Services |
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Not quite ready for TAFE?
There are plenty of other options to get you on your way to your dream career. It doesn't matter if you're still at school, between jobs or thinking about a career change – you'll find something that suits your level and interests.
Pathways for high schoolers
You can complete the VCE Vocational Major before starting a TAFE course. VCE VM is all about hands-on learning – designed to prepare you for trades.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) let you combine school, paid work and vocational training in industries like agriculture, automotive, community services, IT and retail. You'd typically study VCE or VCE VM three days a week and spend two days working and training toward a Certificate II or III.
VET delivered in secondary schools allows you to work toward a TAFE qualification while completing Years 11 and 12. It's a way to combine your regular school subjects with vocational training so you can develop job‑ready skills and get a head start on further TAFE study.
You can complete VETDSS with Federation in Ballarat or Wimmera. If you’re in Ballarat, register your interest by emailing Julie Trewavis at j.trewavis@federation.edu.au. If you’re in Wimmera, please contact Kim Boulton at k.boulton@federation.edu.au.
Get a taste of TAFE
Pathways for pre-apprentices and apprentices
If you're not ready for a full apprenticeship, you enrol in a pre‑apprenticeship through the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) or Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation. This training will give you an idea of what it might be like to work in a particular industry and when you complete the program, you can go on to do an apprenticeship or further study.
Apprenticeships combine real on‑the‑job experience with structured training. Anyone of working age can start one, and you don’t need any previous qualifications. You can train full‑time or part‑time, and your existing skills may even reduce how long it takes to finish. When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll earn a nationally recognised qualification that can lead straight into work or further study.