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TAFE
 Chelsea Wing, Diploma of Dental Technology (Apprenticeship), 2003 TAFE study at RMIT prepares students for a diverse range of careers, from digital design to plumbing, from fashion and textiles to professional writing, from furniture design to electrotechnology, to name only a few. What defines RMIT's TAFE programs most is their approach to teaching and learning. Students gain abilities and knowledge through doing the kind of things they would do in the workplace. TAFE students come to understand their area of study, and the theories behind it, through practice, guided by highly skilled and enthusiastic academic staff. RMIT has strong connections with industries that are associated with our TAFE programs. The content of the programs we offer is developed in consultation with relevant industry groups, and students benefit from interaction with real workplaces, which means that when an RMIT TAFE graduate begins a job, they know what they're doing. Different types of TAFE studyTAFE encompasses a number of study options, which can be used by a diverse array of people in diverse ways—year 12 graduates, experienced professionals interested in upgrading their skills, early school leavers looking for a pathway back into education, parents with grown-up children looking to get back into work, undergraduate or postgraduate students who want to extend their education. Preparatory and introductory study – VET pathwaysRMIT assists Secondary Schools to increase the range of study options that are available to their students in one of the following ways:
Introductory TAFE programs range in length between five and fifteen days and are designed to give students an opportunity to find out more about study and the vocations available in a particular industry. These programs are practical in nature and are designed to lead students into further TAFE studies at Certificate I, II or III levels. They can also contribute towards the 'Industry Studies' component of a Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
Open Door programs are aimed at Year 10 students, however do not preclude interested Year 11 students from applying. The introductory programs range in length between one and fourteen days and are designed to encourage interest in students to pursue VET programs that can contribute to their final years of secondary studies. Prevocational programs are entry-level VET programs that are nationally recognised by industry. They provide young people with a qualification at a Certificate I or II level and are often referred to as pre-apprenticeship programs. The School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship is supported and promoted by both the State and Commonwealth Governments. Under this scheme, secondary students are able to undertake their VCE while being in paid, part-time employment and completing a nationally recognised VET qualification, as an apprentice or trainee. This scheme is available to all secondary school students, including RMIT VCE students.  An example of work done by Alex Edwards, RMIT Diploma of Arts (Furniture Design) student. Secondary completion programsRMIT offers full-time and part-time classes in 43 VCE studies. The VCE and VCE for Adults programs are open to adults returning to study, young people under 18 who are not suited by full-time study in a school environment, or have a partially completed VCE, and students seeking prerequisites for a particular program or to make a career change. VCE students can choose to enrol in a School Based Traineeship while undertaking their VCE studies. At RMIT, full-time themed Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) programs are designed to establish pathways to apprenticeships, further TAFE study and degrees in areas of skill demand. Students complete year 11 (VCAL Intermediate) or year 12 (VCAL Senior) depending of the program and their own previously completed secondary studies. VCAL students have the option to also enroll as a School Based Apprentice. Certificate and diploma studyCertificates II, III and IV programs enable students to develop skills and knowledge in a wide range of trade and non-trade areas. They are very vocationally oriented, and focus on the kinds of challenges and processes involved in specific workplaces. As well as being useful qualifications, programs at this level are also an excellent way for people in work to upgrade their skills. Like almost all TAFE programs, certificate II, III and IV programs are developed by or in conjunction with relevant industries, so the abilities students gain are the ones employers want the most. Apprenticeships and traineeships are certificate II (traineeship), certificate III or IV (apprenticeship) programs that combine paid work with accredited training and are covered by a relevant industrial award. This combination of work and training provides the opportunity to develop practical skills with formal training. In most instances apprenticeships and traineeships cover full-time or part-time work, however it is important to check the relevant industrial awards, as this does not always apply. More information about apprenticeships and traineeships Diploma and advanced diploma programs are usually vocationally oriented and practical. Most diploma programs have exit points offering intermediate awards of Certificate IV and/or Certificate III. Students develop theoretical knowledge and/or technical and creative skills. Judgement, planning and analysis are used across a broad range of technical and/or management situations and students apply principles and techniques across a wide range of contexts. 
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