Regional Disability Liaison Officer

Central Queensland

Office of Equity & Diversity CQU Home Contacts

Which do I choose—Vocational Education & Training (VET) or University?

Contents

Top of page

Vocational Education & Training (VET)

There are a number of VET providers throughout Australia.

In Central Queensland the main ones are:

• Central Queensland TAFE with main campuses at Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Emerald
• Wide Bay TAFE with campuses at: Bundaberg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay
• Agricultural and Pastoral colleges at: Emerald and Longreach respectively
• Group Training Organisations
  • Capricornia Training Company
  • Gladstone Area Group Apprentices
  • MRAEL
  • Wide Bay Group Training Scheme

Top of page

Courses

VET providers offer a range of courses from one or half day workshops through to two year associate diplomas and trade courses. There are a range of study modes including studying part or full time, self paced, external or on campus. VET courses are often more based in practical skills than university courses and usually can be readily transferred into the vocational environment.

Adult Community Education

If it is a long time since you were at school, and you are concerned that your study skills or literacy may not be sufficient or you are just wanting to do a short course for interest, some TAFE colleges may also run Adult Community Education courses. These can be a stepping stone to further study at TAFE or University.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

VET providers will often recognise any previous experience or learning that you can verify. You can use this to avoid having to enrol in subjects that you already have previous experience in. For more information about using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to fast track your training, contact your local VET provider.

From College into University

Some students use VET as a stepping stone into University. Successful completion of some VET courses can be credited against aligned University courses, e.g. a two year Associate Diploma in Information Technology at CQTAFE may account for the first year of a Bachelor of Information Technology at CQU.

For more information about what courses are offered contact your local college:

Top of page

University

The main University in Central Queensland is Central Queensland University (CQU) which has campuses in Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Emerald. Other Universities have regional campuses in Mackay (James Cook University) and Hervey Bay (University of Southern Qld). Students in Central Queensland can choose however to undertake university study through correspondence with many other universities throughout Australia and the rest of the world.

Courses

Universities offer degrees that can, on a full time load, be completed in three or four years. These are called under-graduate degrees. Universities also offer courses such as Graduate Certificates and Diplomas, Master’s or Doctorate studies for students who have completed their under-graduate degrees. Such graduates can also choose from a wide range of other post graduate courses.
University courses are usually designed to give students a knowledge base in academic theory that they can subsequently apply across a broad range of career choices.

From University into College

Some students use VET as a stepping stone from University into a career. The vocational focus of many VET courses is attractive to some university graduates who are looking to refine their skills into a more vocationally attractive package.

Top of page