Below you will find a list of items that provide information about the various colleges within the TAFEWA network as well as information that will help you understand what it is like to study at TAFEWA.
Also see frequently asked questions.
Appropriate clothing
Average class size
Child care
College network
Computer access
Differences between TAFEWA and university courses
Differences between TAFEWA and university fees
Flexible learning
Information and advisory services
Libraries/Learning Resource Centres
Parking
People with disabilities
Public transport
Time commitment
Work experience
To meet some of the graduates click here.
A uniform is not usually required at TAFEWA, unless it is part of the requirements for a specific industry or protective clothing is needed for practical classes. You will be advised of any uniform requirements at the time of enrolment. Some colleges may require students to wear closed shoes, as a safety precaution.
The average class is between 15 and 20 students.
Child care is available at Albany, Bunbury, Carnarvon, Fremantle, Geraldton, Karratha, Perth, Rockingham and South Hedland campuses. To find out more please speak with student services staff at your preferred campus.
TAFEWA network consists of 10 colleges with 50 campuses throughout Western Australia.
Click here for TAFEWA college contact details.
TAFEWA also has a partnership with Curtin University of Technology to offer courses through the Vocational Training and Education Centres in Kalgoorlie and Esperance.
Many TAFEWA colleges offer the same qualifications. However, each college also has its own centres of excellence and specialisations such as:
- - animal studies
- - aquaculture
- - art and design
- - aviation
- - automotive
- - building and construction
- - fashion and textiles
- - furniture making
- - horticulture
- - hospitality
- - leadership and community development
- - maritime studies
- - metals and engineering
- - refrigeration and airconditioning
As a student at TAFEWA you can expect fantastic facilities, great surroundings, locations convenient to transport and shops, and an exciting variety of campus activities.
Some TAFEWA campuses have computer labs for student use. Computers and printers are also available in the college libraries/Learning Resource Centres for students to use for study purposes. These computers provide access to online databases and the internet. A wide range of software applications found in the classrooms are usually available on college computers.
To find out more please visit your preferred campus to see their facilities for yourself, or speak with student services advisors or library staff.
Differences between TAFEWA and university courses Top of Page
TAFEWA offers certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses which can vary in length of study from six months to three years. Courses are very practical and tailored to job requirements. Universities usually offer degree courses which take three or more years and usually contain much more theory than TAFEWA courses. Some TAFEWA graduates later go on to university and many university graduates go to TAFEWA to gain more practical skills to help them get a job.
Differences between TAFEWA and university fees Top of Page
TAFEWA tuition, enrolment and resource contributions are payable either at the beginning of the semester or during the year of study. University fees are generally a lot higher than TAFEWA fees but payment for university can be deferred until you start work, using the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS).
For more information on TAFEWA fees, click here.
For more information on university fees, click here.
Flexible learning allows you to study in your own time at your own pace. Some TAFEWA campuses provide extended hours and off campus learning facilities. There are also online training services and don’t forget to check out television station Access 31. To find out more information ask the TAFEWA college that you are interested in studying with.
Information and advisory services Top of Page
As well as providing information about TAFEWA qualifications, entry requirements and selection criteria, TAFEWA information staff can provide you with advice about a wide range of issues. These include:
- - career opportunities
- study techniques
- financial assistance
- personal development.
To find out more please contact the student services officers that are available at TAFEWA colleges.
Libraries/Learning Resources Centres Top of Page
There are 33 libraries/Learning Resources Centres spread across the 10 TAFEWA colleges, providing a gateway to a world of information. TAFEWA libraries provide a starting point for all your informational needs and are designed to enhance your learning experience.
TAFEWA Libraries provide a range of services such as :
- - reference assistance
- online services and databases
- photocopying and printing services
- collections and learning resources which include general, reference, online, journal, video and closed reserve in a variety of formats
- assistance with study, essay and report writing and referencing
- reciprocal borrowing with a range of TAFEWA libraries around Australia local libraries, and Edith Cowan and Murdoch Universities.
To find out more about learning resources at TAFEWA libraries, visit voyager.det.wa.edu.au or go to the individual TAFEWA college websites for more information on the services they offer.
Most campuses have convenient parking for students. At some campuses students may need to purchase parking permits.
To find out more please speak with staff at your preferred TAFEWA college or visit your preferred TAFEWA college website.
People with disabilities Top of Page
TAFEWA colleges aim to provide access and equity of participation for people with disabilities to enable them to be involved in all aspects of college life.
Students are advised to make contact with your preferred college to identify what support services can be arranged. This may include information in audio or large print format, support in the learning environment and alternative assessment and examination arrangements.
Some TAFEWA campuses have disability services officers or disability liaison officers. At others, information is available from student services. Please contact your preferred TAFEWA college for more details.
For detailed information about how to get to any TAFEWA campus using public transport, contact Transperth on telephone 13 62 13, or visit the Transperth website.
A full-time workload is approximately 16 to 20 hours each week although this may be more with fast track courses. Hours per day vary and you will not have to attend all day, every day. There may be days when you do not have to attend the campus at all but you will have to do extra study by yourself to succeed in the course.
Many TAFEWA courses have a work experience component. More information about this topic is available with course information or by contacting your preferred TAFEWA college.