Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The VET Sector offers nationally recognised training that is developed by industry training councils in partnership with community service providers, and provided by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). While each RTO selects the most-appropriate method for teaching program content, all deliver the same outcomes.

The following information, drawn primarily from Community Services and Health Training Australia (CSHTA, 2002) and TAFE Queensland (2006), provides a useful overview of the Australian VET qualification system:

Overview of the Australian VET qualification system
Qualification Comments Career path
Certificate I Pathway qualification.
Typical duration: 6-12 months
  • entry-level qualifications that provide preparatory skills, and application or knowledge at a basic level
  • assist in gaining an apprenticeship/traineeship
  • provide a pathway to work or further study
Certificate II Workers operate under clear guidance
Typical duration: 6-12 months
Certificate III Generally seen as an entry level to the sector for client or community work.
Typical duration: 6-12 months
  • provide a broad range of skills within a variety of tasks and roles
  • help prepare students for autonomous and supervisory roles within the workplace
  • provide a pathway to further study at diploma level
Certificate IV First-line supervisor or more autonomous worker Typical duration: 6-12 months
Diploma Advanced skill worker or manager
Typical duration: 18-24 months
  • provide high-level technical or management skills
  • offer credit to many Queensland universities
  • assist in upgrading work skills
  • assist in entering or re-entering the workforce at a more qualified level
  • provide a pathway to further study at university
Advanced Diploma Specialist advanced skill worker or executive manager
Typical duration: 24-36 months

After completing diploma and advanced diploma levels, a student may be eligible for entry into a university and may also be eligible for some credit for prior studies.

TAFE Queensland, a division of the Department of Education, Training and the Arts, is the largest RTO in Queensland. Each TAFE Institute operates independently within the departmental framework to provide subsidised public education and also offers tailored solutions to the training needs of organisations. Individual TAFE Institutes do not offer all qualifications. The TAFE Queensland website provides further information.

Private RTOs also offer selected nationally recognised training courses. As this is not subsidised education, costs should be discussed directly with these providers. As with TAFE Institutes, private RTOs do not offer all programs.

Depending on local availability, generic VET training paths for the community services sector may include:

  • Certificate II in Community Services Work
  • Certificate II in Community Services (First Point of Contact)
  • Certificate III in Community Services Work
  • Certificate IV in Community Services Work
  • Certificate IV in Community Services Advocacy
  • Certificate IV in Community Services (Information, Advice and Referral)
  • Diploma of Community Welfare Work, and
  • Advanced Diploma of Community Services Work.

(NB: Generic training paths do not ensure entry into all areas of client work. Specialised training is recommended as a supplement to one of these generic training packages for those that wish to specialise in a certain client group).

Last updated 2007-06-28