TAFE at School
Get more out of high school
If you’re a year 10, 11 or 12 student you may be able to complete a qualification while you're still in high school. Courses within the program range from certificate I to certificate III in different study areas from hospitality to horticulture, early childhood education to engineering, and everything in between.
How it works
Our TAFE at School program fits in with your existing high school studies and will generally replace one of your senior schooling subjects. Certificate III or higher level qualifications you complete while at school will contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). TAFE Queensland term dates align with Queensland school terms to fit with your senior studies.
Successfully completing a course gives you a nationally recognised qualification, QCE credit points and direct entry into any TAFE Queensland diploma course. Speak with your VET coordinator or teacher about doing TAFE at School to get started.
The program
Our TAFE at School program has a number of options all directly related to work so when you do leave school, you have a head-start. :)
Choose from courses in areas like childcare, health, construction, automotive and more. Doing a qualification as part of the TAFE at School program will often require you to come into one of our campuses to undertake training. This is often one day a week (but can be more) for a year. You will also need to complete some additional study in your own time.
Term dates and intakes
Our term dates align with your school terms to fit with your senior studies.
Because of our campuses offer specialist training different campuses offer different qualifications.
Year 11 students at select schools can now choose to study a qualification with us online. Qualifications are in areas such as business, information technology and child care. Beginning at the start of year 11 in term one of each year, our TAFE at School online qualifications are designed for school students to complete over three semesters. This will give you time and space to focus on your ATAR exams in semester two of year 12. Succesful completion of one of these courses can count towards your ATAR ranking which may be used towards university entry. You can also enrich your study experience by finding a local mentor to do work experience with.
You can complete a qualification as part of your school studies. We have partnerships with most schools in Queensland to deliver vocational education and training. Generally training delivery happens in one of two ways. In some cases a TAFE Queensland teacher will come into your school to deliver training, or your high school teacher will provide the industry-specific training. Even if you undertake training at school you will still receive a TAFE Queensland qualification when you complete your course.
Visit your school’s website and speak with your VET coordinator or teacher about the courses on offer at your school.
Learn practical, on-the-job skills with our pre-apprenticeships (also called pre-voc or pre-vocational courses). Our pre-apprenticeship courses are certificate I or certificate II level. Although a pre-apprenticeship won’t contribute to your ATAR, completing one is a great way to demonstrate to potential employers how keen you are to continue working in their industry as an apprentice or trainee. There is no need to have an employer to complete the course.
Get a step ahead of your peers and develop work-ready skills in a vocation or trade during high school. Becoming a school-based apprentice or trainee will also give you the opportunity to earn money while you’re still at school. A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship fits into your existing school studies well as most of the training occurs during the school holidays. You will need an employer to take you on as a school-based apprentice or trainee. You will work a minimum of 1 day per week with an employer, and one of the best parts (aside from learning skills) is that you get paid for it. As a school-based apprentice or trainee you will get QCE credits for working and training, the training is full funded during and after school for most qualifications, when you finish year 12 you will go on to work full-time while you complete your apprenticeship.
If you’re an eligible high school student in year 10you can test out potential career paths while you’re still in school. These are just a taste of industry, to help you decide where you might like to work after school. Trade taster programs run in a variety of areas, for one day per week for nine weeks and you can try up to three different trade areas. We’ve created the program to fit around your other school subjects.
What it costs
Costs vary depending on the course and qualification level. Students undertaking a nationally-recognised qualification at TAFE Queensland as part of their senior studies may be eligible for substantially reduced or, in some cases, no tuition fees at all. Search our full range of TAFE at School courses to view their course fees.
Benefits of TAFE at School
Fits around your high school studies
TAFE at School courses work in with your existing high school studies and can count towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), noting QCE Points only accrue for new learning (for more information please visit the QCAA website).
Direct entry to a TAFE Queensland course
Completing a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any related TAFE Queensland course.
Your pathway to a trade qualification
If you're considering getting a trade qualification, you can complete a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship and get a head start on your training while still at school. Alternatively, you can enrol in our Trade Taster Program to test out an area you might be interested in or try a pre-apprenticeship course to help you secure an apprenticeship once you finish school.
University pathways
Completing a TAFE Queensland diploma will also give you guaranteed entry into a related degree at TAFE Queensland or one of our partner providers. You can receive a diploma and a degree in the same amount of time it usually takes to complete degree alone, giving your career a head start, and putting you ahead of the pack.
How to apply
If you're ready to get a head start on your career through TAFE at School, talk to your VET Coordinator who will be able to talk through your study options and start the application process for you. If you have already spoken to your school VET Coordinator and have a TAFE at School application code, you can apply via Pathways.