Guide to skills and training

Entering the workforce can be competitive. It’s important to have a range of skills and experience to help you land your first job or to further your career.

There are many programs and supports in Victoria for you to gain new skills. Some options include doing work experience, an internship, an apprenticeship, or studying a Free TAFE course.

What jobs are you interested in?

The first step is to have a think about what jobs you may be interested in. There are many types of jobs to choose from and they all require a unique set of roles and responsibilities. You may want to explore a career in:

broadcasting, film or media
hospitality
veterinary or animal care
trade or IT
sport or cultural work
social work, healthcare or disability
teaching.

You can talk to your school career advisor, teachers or family and friends to explore what your interests are and what strengths you may have for a certain job.

You can also find out more about the career you want and how to make a career plan.

What skills are employers looking for?

Employers may be looking for a range of skills for a job. When reading a job description, you may find that the skills are grouped into two categories. The first category includes behavioural skills or ‘soft skills’ such as:

communication skills
reliability
ability to work with others
open to learning new things.

The second category includes skills that are specific to a job that you gain through training or experience. Whether you are in high school or university, there are a variety of pathways to learn new skills and gain experience to add to your resume and help get your foot in the door.

You may want to complete one of the following:

work experience
apprenticeships or traineeships
internships or industry placement
micro-credentials or certification courses
TAFE courses.

Read more about the 8 job skills you should have when applying for a job.

What is work experience?

Work experience is when you do unpaid or paid work with a business or organisation for a short time as part of a formal program through your school.

Work experience is generally undertaken in years 9 or 10. When you’re at TAFE or university this is sometimes called work placement or student placement.

Work experience can help you learn more about a job or industry that you’re interested in and to develop workplace skills. It can also help to understand employer expectations and develop self-confidence and maturity.

During work placement, you will mainly be learning and observing. It’s not required for you to perform tasks that require a certain level of skill or expertise.

Learn more about work experience.

What are apprenticeships and traineeships?

Apprenticeships and traineeships help you earn money while you learn about a job. This means that you will earn a wage while you complete on-the-job training as well as formal study.

Apprenticeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based and they’re open to anyone who is working age. At the end of the apprenticeship or traineeship you will end up with a qualification that is nationally recognised as well as gain valuable real-life experience.

Learn more about doing an apprenticeship or traineeship in Victoria.

Check Approved Training Scheme to see which qualifications are available as apprenticeships or traineeships.

What is an internship or industry placement?

An internship or industry placement is a temporary work assignment that you do as part of university or after you have completed your qualification.

Internships are a great way for graduates or skilled people to gain professional experience in a job. Internships can be paid or unpaid and they can sometimes lead to employment by a business or organisation, but it’s not guaranteed.

Learn more about the different types of internships, the benefits and your working rights as an intern.

Industry placements are when you do unpaid work for a host employer as part of a high school, university or TAFE course. These placements are also called work placements, vocational placements, unpaid internships or unpaid work experience.

Industry placements are short-term and are required as part of your studies. They will usually be organised by your school.

From July 2025, nursing, teaching and social work students may be eligible to receive financial support whilst undertaking a work placement. For more information, visit the Australian Government's Commonwealth Prac Payment page.

You can find out more info about industry placements on our work placement page or visit the Victorian Government’s work-based learning page.

What are micro-credentials?

A micro credential, also called a micro-cert or a short course, refers to skills-based short course that helps you gain specific knowledge and skills to advance your career.

Micro-certs are designed to be short and more affordable. Most micro-certs are standalone courses, meaning you do not receive a formal qualification. Instead, you may receive a certificate of completion. You may be able to combine multiple micro-certs to earn credit towards a formal credential, such as a graduate certificate.

Some examples of micro-certs include:

project management and leadership
data, IT and digital marketing
bookkeeping
government
sustainability.

Many universities and TAFEs offer micro-credentials and short courses.

What is TAFE and is that an option for me?

If you’re in high school, you might be wondering if you should go to TAFE or university after year 12. Both are great options!

TAFE (also called vocational study) is great if you have a specific trade or skillset in mind. TAFE courses give you practical skills to work in a specific job or industry.

Some industries you can work in after completing TAFE include:

trades, such as carpentry, electrical and plumbing
bookkeeping
aged care
childcare
disability support.

TAFE course can vary in length from six months up to three or four year. Generally speaking, the higher the TAFE qualification, the longer it takes to complete.

Certificate II and III courses can usually be finished in six months.
Diploma courses can take up to three or four years to complete.

TAFE is also a great pathway into university, if you want to continue your studies to complete a Bachelor’s degree, graduate certificate or diploma.

Getting help to pay for your TAFE or training course

You can now access more than 80 free TAFE courses and short courses without the cost of fees, even if you already have a VET qualification or degree.

If you are eligible for Free TAFE, all your course tuition fees are paid for by the Australian and Victorian governments.

Learn more about FREE TAFE, search course providers and find out if you’re eligible.

Learn more about going to university or TAFE.

Getting help to pay for your student placement

Depending on the job you are interested in, some student placement programs offer grants or financial support to help pay for your placement.

For example, there are grants available from the Victorian Government if you are studying early childhood education, if you are studying to be a teacher or a healthcare worker.

The Commonwealth Government also has a support for students page with more information about supports available.

You can also discuss these options with the Placement Officer from your school who is helping you with the student placement. They may be able to provide more information about the grants and support available.