Completing your studies
As you approach the final stages of your course, find out more about how to prepare for job search activities, and the further study options open to you at TAFE Queensland and our partner organisations.
At TAFE Queensland it is important that you Learn, Engage, Achieve and Progress (LEAP) through your studies.
LEAP is designed to support students to prepare for, engage with, and achieve success with their study at TAFE Queensland, while self-monitoring their progress, support needs, and mental health and wellbeing.
‘Before I start’ will help you learn about TAFE and your study options.
‘Starting successfully’ will help you discover how to engage in your studies and prepare yourself to learn.
‘How can I stay on track?’ will help you discover strategies to achieve success by staying active and asking for help if you need it.
‘Completing successfully’ will help you discover learning pathways to enable you to progress toward future studies or employment goals.
When will I receive my award?
If you are completing study that results in an award or certificate, there are requirements that need to be met to ensure eligibility. Toward the end of the course, always ensure you are a checking-in with your teacher regularly to make sure you are on track to receive our award.
How can I keep learning?
As you approach the completion of your TAFE Queensland course, it’s a good time to check your career goals and plan the next stage of your learning journey. Consider how you can continue to develop the skills and knowledge you have learned at TAFE Queensland. The direction you take will depend on a number of factors and personal choices, but you may wish to consider the following options:
TAFE Queensland short courses and micro-credentials
TAFE Queensland’s short courses are designed to give you an introduction into a new area without the time and cost of a formal or full qualification. These courses include Skill Sets, industry Licences and micro-credentials. This option can help you maintain your professional currency or try new skills.
TAFE Queensland Online
Studying online lets you have more control of your learning by allowing you to better manage your workload and set your own deadlines than traditional study.
TAFE Queensland Certificate and Degree qualifications
TAFE Queensland offers a range of Certificate and Degree courses, and it is not just about choosing the right study area, but also about choosing the right qualification level so you progressively build your skills and knowledge to support your desired employment goals.
Higher Education and University pathways
Successfully completing a diploma level outcome will automatically qualify you for a provisional place in a relevant TAFE Queensland degree or a degree offered in association with one of our partnering universities. TAFE Queensland also have a range of pathway options that can get you started on your degree sooner.
Supporting our International Students
Visit our TAFE Queensland Successful Graduate website to find online training options tailored to our international students’ needs. These include a Pre-Departure Program for international students, Finding Part-Time Work While Studying Program and our Job Readiness Program. You can also search for tailored TAFE Queensland Microcredential Programs.
Ready to re-enrol? Learn more on our how to apply page.
How can I build on my qualifications?
You can build on your new qualification in a range of ways at TAFE Queensland. Choosing the right pathway will depend on your current course level and the profession or industry you want to join. Upgrading your skills, also known as upskilling, helps you to get that promotion or pay rise, take on new duties or move into your chosen career.
If you are completing this study option now | Suggested next study option |
Short course, Skill set or micro-credential Or | |
Short course, Skill set or micro-credential
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Diplomas and advanced diplomas
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| Diplomas and advanced diplomas
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Special conditions and entry requirements may apply for any of the above options, so it’s best to get advice directly from TAFE Queensland so you can choose the most appropriate way to build on your qualifications. Find out more by talking to our Customer Service staff, or by booking an appointment with one of our Counsellors in Student Support services.
How can I prepare for employment?
TAFE Queensland Jobs Board connects students with employment opportunities by offering advice on:
- Applying for graduate jobs both within and outside of Australia
- Career advice, including tips on career planning, choosing a new course and advice for employers
- Ability to search for employment opportunities by employer, industry sector, location, or qualification
- Applying for work advice, including CV templates, common interview questions, responding to selection criteria, preparing for video interviews and more
Also visit our career and employment services page to find which campuses offer access to specific career and employment resources and services. Your educators, counsellors and library services can also offer advice about planning your career pathway, applying for jobs, and future career development.
Supporting our International Students
Visit our TAFE Queensland Successful Graduate website to find online training options tailored to our international students’ needs. These include a Pre-Departure Program for international students, Finding Part-Time Work While Studying Program and our Job Readiness Program. You can also search for tailored TAFE Queensland Microcredential Programs.
We can expect to change jobs a few times over our life, which is different to past generations where they often stayed in the same job throughout their lifetime. There are many reasons for changing employment, including seeking better working arrangements, family reasons, redundancies or beginning your own business. Whatever your reason, TAFE Queensland is here to help you start or transition into your chosen employment.
How can I prepare to transition from vocational study to higher education?
Whatever pathway you choose, there are a range of specific skills and abilities required to be successful outcomes. You may have started to become more confident with academic literacies and skills during your TAFE Queensland course, but the transition from the vocational education competency-based training and assessment system to the Higher Education learning environment can be challenging. So, it’s a good idea to reflect on your abilities and to learn about what will be expected of you at university.
Examples of some general academic tasks university students are required to complete are:
- Independent study and revision
- Meeting assessment deadlines through effective time management
- Effective use of academic and scholarly databases (digital and information literacy)
- Reading for purpose and at a critical analysis level
- Understanding evidence-based and research data effectively
- Problem-solving, critical thinking, and questioning
- Academic writing suitable for a range of genres (e.g., essays, reports, critiques)
- Developing a thesis and persuading the reader/audience with reasoned and supported argument
- Demonstrated understanding of the meaning of academic integrity
- Acknowledging the work of others through use of appropriate academic referencing
- Reflective practice
Successfully completing a diploma level outcome will automatically qualify you for a provisional place in a relevant TAFE Queensland degree. TAFE Queensland also have a range of pathway options that can get you started on your degree sooner:
- Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation: this course is aimed at those looking to further develop their study skills to prepare for university level expectations.
- Unilearn: provides University Foundation courses across Australia for students still in school, home-schooled students, and students who wish to return to studies; along with international students who wish to continue their education in Australia.
- Certificate and Diploma courses: These include specialist degrees, where TAFE Queensland has partnered with some of Australia's most established and respected universities.
Certificate level qualification study may also help to improve QTAC’s ATAR/selection rank – this is explained here.
Whichever pathway you select, TAFE Queensland can help you on your journey.
Many Higher Education providers offer Preparation for Study modules and programs, and/or workshops and tutorials for new students during their orientation period, or between semesters. In addition, they have an area of their website designated for study skills resources and interactive activities, a comprehensive Library Network system, and additional support services offered by academic learning advisors and online tutor services.
Tip:
Visit the website of your chosen provider to find out what they offer to help prospective students prepare.
Investigate the range of Study Skills and Preparing for University short courses (free and fee paying options) recommended by Open Universities Australia.