Learners are supported to apply their skills in real-world scenarios through, for example, placements, traineeships, earn and learn pathways, and simulated learning.
The Practical Placement Officers program successfully improved access to placements for TAFE students. Placement Officers were stationed in all Victorian TAFEs between 2021 and 2024 and contributed to a 92 per cent reduction in the number of students who were yet to secure a placement.
In addition to practical placements, the Victorian TAFE Network makes simulated training available to learners. For example, South West TAFE’s upgraded Warrnambool Campus provides access to training simulators and specialist equipment to support aspiring electricians with real- world training experiences.6
The Victorian Government partners with industry to develop, invest in and deliver employment-based pathways in occupations with significant workforce demands such as child protection workers and family violence practitioners. Such pathways remove the need for students to complete unpaid placements and provide meaningful work experience and employment.
The Switch to Child Protection program7 used an earn and learn model to trial an alternative career switcher pathway into child protection. Employment in mid-career level positions while completing a Graduate Certificate in Child Protection with La Trobe University allowed practitioners to apply theory directly into their practice.
The Family Violence and Sexual Assault Traineeship Program supported new and existing workers at various career stages to up-skill with a mix of accredited training, industry-delivered professional development and supports including access to Traineeship Support Advisors for participating organisations. The program had strong outcomes and supported 318 trainees.
Real-world plumbing TAFE facilities open in Wangaratta8
New training facilities at GOTAFE Wangaratta provide a real-life training environment for plumbers. This includes a Type A Gas Room to help plumbers up-skill in delivering sustainable alternatives to fossil gas – a critical part of Victoria’s clean economy transition.
Several groups of students have already completed a 16-day short course in servicing Type A Gas Appliances.
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