Community College
Please note before you continue reading….We called this section Community College as this is a common term used around the world.
In Australia though, Community College is called Vocational Education and Training (VET).
If your goal is to study in a program that focuses on practical skills and knowledge (compared to theory), then the Vocational Education and Training may be more suited to you. VET courses, delivered by TAFE or Registered Training Organisations, concentrate on developing the skills you need for an occupation. The content is less generalist and more focused than in a typical university program, such as an arts degree.
Upon completing and VET program, you will be awarded a Certificate 1, Certificate II, Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, Associate degree, or an Advanced diploma. Industries where you can get a job through VET qualifications include, but are not limited to, automotive, media, hospitality, advertising, IT, transported, building and construction, engineering, health and community services, children’s services, tourism, finance, business, hairdressing, and fitness.
VET courses tend to be very up-to-date regarding industry standards and needs. Constant consultation with industry bodies keeps the syllabus and requirements in line with what you will be expected to do in your job.
A big benefit of VET compared to university training is that you may not have to study for the full time-frame mapped out for your program. Once you prove you have the competency and knowledge to perform or deliver a skill set, you receive your qualification. A university degree, on the other hand, takes a set period of time that cannot be changed – usually 3 to 4 years in Australia. VET programs tend to be shorter in duration. If you are looking for an entry-level position, your course may may only take a month. However, if you are planning to get into management, you may have to do study for 24 to 36 months.
Another benefit of VET courses is that they tend to be very up-to-date regarding industry standards and needs. Constant consultation with industry bodies keeps the syllabus and requirements in line with what you will be expected to do in your job.
One of the reasons students prefer VET programs is that you receive practical work experience. The training tends to be ‘hands on’ so you know exactly what to expect when you enter the workplace in your chosen field.
The final benefit we will point out is that you can often transfer your VET credits over to a university. Should you decide you would like to further your education to advance your career, you will move through the degree program faster as you will get recognition for your prior studies.
When studying in Australia, you can complete your Vocational Education and Training through either a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or TAFE.
For skilled migration to Australia, a competent level of English proficiency is required. This means that applicants must have a minimum score of 6 in each component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or an equivalent score in other recognized English language tests.
The Department of Home Affairs accepts a range of English language tests for Australian immigration, including IELTS, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). It is important to note that different visa subclasses may have different English language requirements.
To demonstrate Proficient English for Australian visa purposes, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 7 in each component of the IELTS or an equivalent score in other recognized English language tests. Applicants can also demonstrate Proficient English by providing evidence of completing at least five years of study in English at the secondary or tertiary level.
For Australian immigration, the minimum PTE score required depends on the visa subclass being applied for. Generally, a minimum score of 50 in each component of the PTE Academic is required for skilled migration and student visas.
The English language requirements for working in Australia vary depending on the occupation and employer. Some employers may require a higher level of English proficiency than the minimum required for visa purposes. It is recommended that individuals check the specific language requirements for their occupation and employer.