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Employability pathways

In Western Australia (WA), there are many different pathways you can follow to reach your career goals.

If you don’t meet the requirements for your university course, we have other pathways to help you get there.

If you prefer to study a more practical course and then start your chosen career, a TAFE course is the perfect choice for you. You’ll be taught through a mix of classroom, demonstrations and hands on training. A TAFE course is a great pathway to employability.  

You will start your new career job ready. You’ll have the confidence and in-demand skills that employers look for. 

Taught by industry professionals

All TAFE lecturers have experience in your chosen industry. This means they have the practical knowledge to help you succeed. 

Latest tools, technology and skills

You’ll learn on the same equipment used by industry. TAFE reinvests in equipment and materials to match industry standards. You’ll develop skills directly transferrable to employment. 

Real life work experience

Many TAFE courses have supervised work placement in actual businesses. You will put your skills into practice, in real life situations. 

Regularly reviewed units of study

TAFE courses are nationally accredited and regularly reviewed by experts. This means your qualification always meets industry needs and develops skills important to your future career. 

Pathways to university

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Student in graduation robe, surrounded by family

On completion of TAFE and university, you will have two qualifications that attract employers and give you a competitive edge in the global job market. 

Careers of the future

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Student holding virtual reality equipment

Industries grow and adapt. Choosing the right course now means you’re qualified in an industry that will remain in demand over time. 

Global skills in demand

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Student stands in front of oil and gas training facility at ACEPT Munster campus

We make sure students of today are successful employees of tomorrow.  

Work placements and industry partners

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Student working in early childhood environment

Grow your skills and confidence. Put your learning into practice with our industry partners.

Work while you study

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Student at training in restaurant

Know your work rights. Western Australia provides many job opportunities for international students.

Become job ready

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Student sitting in outdoor garden area, wearing business attire

Access career support services and job opportunities in WA.

Lecturer Ben Tan stands towards the camera with a big smile. He's wearing a light brown business shirt with his name badge on his right chest above branding that says "Saltbush Restaurant." On the left side of his shirt, it reads "South Metropolitan" with the "TAFE WA" logo. Sitting on a bench behind him are two plunger coffee pots in stainless steel. There's a brown panelled wall that fills the backdrop.
Ben
Country
Singapore
Campus
Bentley

I completed my studies in July 2010 and almost instantly found employment within the industry. In 2020 I started working at SM TAFE as an events management lecturer at the Bentley, Fremantle and Mandurah campuses, teaching a variety of units across events, hospitality management, food and beverage and first aid.

Kenyan TAFE student Alfred
Alfred
Country
Kenya
Campus
Leederville

I came to Perth through a study package from TAFE to ECU. Studying at TAFE was great. The lecturers are knowledgeable and the study mode itself is holistic. This prepared me well and by the time I started my practical training I felt confident. When I enrolled into university I was ready. The best part was that I had to do just two years of university study as I received one year of advanced standing from my TAFE studies.

South African student, Jacobus
Jacobus
Country
South Africa
Campus
Geraldton

Before coming to Australia, I completed an advanced diploma in digital animation, and wanted to further my studies to get into the digital market workforce with ease. I didn’t want to go to university, but rather study in a more practical environment, being assessed on real workplace skills needed in the industry. Imagine my luck when I found TAFE. The staff and students are friendly, and willing to assist me when I ask them.

Student Yingjun in a car
Yingjun
Country
China
Campus
Perth

I made connections with local Australian students and my English proficiency improved significantly during my TAFE course. The teachers were nice and friendly, the courses were industry-related and practical.  TAFE helped to prepare me for university.  After completing my TAFE UniPathway course and transitioning to university I felt better prepared than some of my university classmates.

Last updated on March 15, 2024