Prepare for a career change
Find new career directions with TAFE and training
On this page
- Find a training course
- Get career advice
- Plan your career
- Learn about future job growth
- Earn while you learn
- Get credit for your skills, experience and past study
- Update your skills
- Career success stories
- More free help and resources
If you are looking for a change in pace or direction, Vocational Education and Training (VET) has plenty of options to explore. You will find different opportunities to suit your personal circumstances.
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- I am returning to the workforce after time away
Perhaps you have been on parenting leave, caring for a family member, or you are returning to part time work in your retirement. A VET course can be a practical way to prepare to re-enter the workforce. It can help you get up to date with industry standards, processes and systems.
- I already have a job and want to change careers
VET courses can help you learn new skills quickly to make a new job a reality sooner. Some courses are offered part-time, or through flexible or online learning to help fit around a busy lifestyle.
- I have been made redundant
If you are facing redundancy, a VET course can help you learn new skills to find a new job. You may decide to build on the skills you already have in your existing field, or you may change career direction altogether. Either way, VET will give you practical, industry standard skills to help increase your employability.
- I want a pathway into university
Some VET courses can be a pathway to a university course. You may be able to get recognition for your VET course, and your existing skills and experience. This can help you get into a university course and may reduce the number of units you’ll need to study.
A new career takes careful planning and may need new skills and qualifications. Explore the below resources to help plan your next steps.
Find a training course
Visit the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window) to search over 500 courses at TAFE and training providers across Victoria. There are also over 350 related occupations to explore.
You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course, such as Free TAFE or Skills First.
Contact the TAFE and Training Line for information about courses and training providers near you. Discover some tips on getting started with VET training.
Get career advice
Contact your local Skills and Jobs Centre for qualified, independent advice and support on training, career planning and finding a job in your area.
The centres are open to all members of the community. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced worker looking for a change, or you have been out of the workforce for some time, Skills and Jobs Centres can help you achieve your training and career goals.
Plan your career
Explore these career planning sites and tools to help with ideas:
- My Future(opens in a new window)
- Your Career(opens in a new window)
- Jobs Victoria(opens in a new window).
Learn about future job growth
Find out about high demand industries in Victoria with these resources:
- growing industries in Victoria
- training and careers in Melbourne and regional Victoria
- training and career success stories from across Victoria
- employment projections across industries and regions
- Jobs and Skills Atlas(opens in a new window) (Australian government).
Earn while you learn
If you’d like to earn an income while you train, apprenticeships and traineeships are available for some jobs. You can start one at any stage of your career.
Get credit for your skills, experience and past study
Find out if your skills, experience or past study can count towards a new course. This can help you get in and can reduce the number of units you will need to study.
Update your skills
Visit these pages to find out more about updating your foundation skills for study and work:
- Update your skills for training or work
- Skills for Education and Employment(opens in a new window) (SEE) program.
Career success stories
Rewriting his story: Joe’s creative career change
“I’ve always enjoyed the creative side of life – art, music, literature. As a millennial, I think my generation is changing what career paths can look like, and normalising making a change.”
Never too late: Debbie finds her passion in mental health
“I help people with complex mental health needs who are working towards recovery. This looks different for each individual. Knowing you can be there to help them achieve their goals is so rewarding.”
From chef to caseworker: Raka’s recipe for success
“I work with people who have been in contact with the justice system. There are days where the life path of someone can be altered significantly. You can be there to enable a change for the better.”
Kim’s career switch to community services
“I completed my Diploma of Counselling online and when I finished I was employed from then onwards. There are many more opportunities for me now, but I want to stay in a job where I’m helping people.”
Libby’s life as a new mum and first-year apprentice
“I’ve found a much better work-life balance in the construction industry. I feel like every hour that I work I’m valued. I think as a female you do bring something different to the table.”
More free help and resources
TAFE and Training Line
Get help and information about TAFE and training courses, qualifications and training providers in Victoria.
Skills and Jobs Centres
Get free qualified, independent advice and support on training, career planning and finding a job in your local area.
Training and careers in growing industries
Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.
Get financial assistance for training and other expenses
You may be eligible for Free TAFE or Skills First funding to help pay for your training.
Discover training, courses and careers
Find out about skills and training for in-demand and emerging jobs, including free resources and services.
Updated 17 June 2025
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