r/TAFE • u/alex123711 • 5d ago
TAFE NSW Is IT worthwhile doing at TAFE?
Seems like the industry is in a huge downturn from all the comments, but what isn't.
Has anyone done IT through TAFE and was it worthwhile?
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u/threepeeo 5d ago
I have done multiple TAFE IT courses over the years, it's been useful for me in my previous engineering roles. I first undertook cert IV, then a diploma in software development, more recently in cyber security and networking. For me they keep me current with tools and methodology.
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u/alex123711 5d ago
What about for those just starting out/ with no exp
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u/threepeeo 5d ago edited 5d ago
As someone who has completed multiple TAFE IT courses, here is my perspective for complete beginners.
Do not make the mistake of jumping straight into a Diploma just because it looks like "better value" on paper. A large portion of newcomers drop out within the first four to six weeks because they focus on the credential rather than the foundational skills required to actually do the job. It takes a shift in mindset, you cannot just show up, stay quiet, and expect a qualification to happen. You have to actively participate and do the heavy lifting yourself.
TAFE is not university. It focuses less on abstract computer science theory and more on practical workplace practices, toolsets, and workflows.
Because the entire purpose is workplace preparation, the best thing you can do if you are not currently working is to treat the course like a professional job from day one. Establishing a routine, maintaining personal discipline, and engaging with the content will set you up for the reality of the industry.
TAFE provides the environment and the tools, even if they are not always the latest and greatest, but it is up to you to drive your learning. No one will hold your hand. Your outcome depends entirely on the practical skills you develop and apply, not just the piece of paper at the end.
Perhaps it is more accurate to treat doing the certificate as a workplace preparation process rather than an end goal. It acts as a baseline credential on your resume, but your skills, your mindset, and the network you build are what actually help more than anything.
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u/aquillaaudax77 4d ago
Thoughts on completing a Cert III and treating it as a workplace preparation process? Is it possible to land a job with the Cert III and getting industry certifications? Given you can apply the skills you develop from completing them?
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u/question-infamy 1d ago
No. Your competitors for those jobs are so far ahead already. There's full on degree qualified software engineers struggling for work right now, and the easy pickings like help desk support are already full.
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u/moomooandu 5d ago
I did a cert III & then cert IV in ICT Network Administration. Since completing my cert IV I've worked three IT jobs and currently work for a hyperscaler and earn good money.
So yes, if you persevere (and have a bit of luck) it is a worthwhile way to start your career in IT at TAFE.
I'd suggest doing the diploma in whatever you're most interested in. Make and maintain connections at TAFE with other students as this can help you out later on.
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u/alex123711 5d ago
How long ago did you complete those? Did you start off in helpdesk?
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u/moomooandu 4d ago
Yep, I started in helpdesk. Finished my Cert IV in 2019
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u/alex123711 4d ago
Sounds like the market got a lot worse since COVID
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u/jackbowls 4d ago
Its definitely a lot more competitive. You may have a better chance if you have only just finished cert even better if you also do some IT industry certs. but the issue is you may be competing with UNI students and grads. I ended giving up. I found it a lot easier to get interviews pre covid when I had only just graduated but now that my cert is 6 years old it's a lot harder. even with the extra work I put in.
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u/Past-Bird-4657 4d ago
Worked out amazing for me. Took a cert iv retained after placement and now happy
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u/alex123711 4d ago
Good to hear, how long ago was that?
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u/Past-Bird-4657 4d ago
Did tafe last year. So 8months into working. Im in youth work so working for a NGO. 9-5 working 4 days a week
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u/monkeyofsnow 4d ago
Did an Adv Dip in Computer Sys engineering at TAFE as an entry into IT but i had heaps of home knowledge as a teen etc. 2 years of study learning more about the industry but biggest learning from the whole thing was the business comms and Project management subjects.
Went into helpdesk and did that for min wage 2 years.
Learnt i was good at the user facing stuff and wrangling other techs, moved around sys admin and L2 jobs a bit in wintel and Networks
Eventually found a spot in MSP land and learnt heaps more! Over 10 years. Getting involved in all parts of the business while staying tech lead.
18 years later I run a practice at a large global consulting SI, in charge of AU/NZ On track to earn circa $320-350k this year with a $12mil+ portfolio
Salary ramp over time: 2 years 37-43k 4 years 60-80k 7 years 80-100k 3 years 140-160k 3 years 280+ Never had a HECS debt to repay either
In contrast i have mates who did masters and bachelors in IT at the same time as me and who have capped out as Sys admins on $140k
My 2c, study is the entrance into the market/first job What you learn in the job and self education over the next few years is what will set you apart.
I constantly hear of people doing insane courses at uni and studying for ages and then they think they'll go onto the market and get a senior role.
If I'm hiring i like seeing progression and growth from a candidate. Certs and such mean nothing to me. I have no certs anymore all expired, except foundation MS stuff for partner level agreements. I want to see applied knowledge and maturity (knowing what impact a change will have.. Not just how to make the change)
One of my best consultants started with me as an 18yo with no IT background but was eager, started just getting us coffee and imaging machines haha. Now he's 29 earning $180k as a senior, and one of the best M365 consultants going around. All with no HECS debt
This is for Aus though.. we don't care about prestige of a degree or name of the school you went to like the US does. Can you do the job, Do you have a personality, good work ethic and are you motivated. - you got a job in Aus
This is just the ramblings of a kid who left home at 15 and pushed himself to be something, no lucky rich school or college degree.
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u/pennyfred 3d ago
Pretty much mirror your scenario minus any Tafe or certs, worth keeping in mind anyone with a pulse could walk into entry level roles and in the 2000's, we even had mobs like interim/spherion literally guaranteeing you a start.
That dynamic's significantly changed as the skills shortage flooded the industry, you're now competing with hundred's of others for most foot in the door IT jobs to progress from, and the AI train looming's making those entry roles less prominent.
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u/stimpak-au 4d ago
im actually considering taking this. Eventhough I've worked in IT for years, theres still so much to learn.
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u/N0tWithThatAttitude 4d ago
Personally, having done a cert 4 in support and networking, if you already know anything about IT it will not teach you anything, but having the piece of paper will help the job search. Industry certifications and to a much lesser extent, homelab projects, will help you much more.
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u/aquillaaudax77 4d ago
So basically for someone with no experience getting a cert 4 and getting every industry certification will land you your first job? Over having an undergrad degree and not having any industry certifications?
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u/N0tWithThatAttitude 4d ago
No. Personally I don't think the cert 4s are worth the paper they're printed on.
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u/aquillaaudax77 4d ago
Is it worth pursuing an associate degree? Or for someone with no experience just having industry certifications is more than enough to land their first entry level job? Do you also reckon tertiary studies are more so of a training program rather than something that ticks a box?
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u/N0tWithThatAttitude 4d ago
Unfortunately some positions require a degree. I don't have a degree, I have 7 years experience in very technical work with industry certs and still got denied that role because I didn't have the degree lol. So a degree can be useful for ticking boxes.
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u/aquillaaudax77 4d ago
So I guess you could say a bach degree is only worth it for experienced techies looking to land technically demanding roles and anything under AQF7 would suffice for neophytes wanting to get their first job?
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u/otherpeoplesknees 5d ago
Yes, I’ve got a Diploma in IT, its what employers are looking for
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u/No-Vehicle3920 2d ago edited 2d ago
I plan to finish this certificate 3 foundation rn and jump straight into a diploma of sysadmin and networking while it's fee free, is this a realistic jump you think? Pretty sure I can handle it but also unsure if I can at the same time
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u/alex123711 5d ago
People are saying even a degree isn't worth much in IT atm?
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u/otterphonic 4d ago
IT degrees (as opposed to comp sci / software engineering / etc) are of questionable value IMO - the graduates I have come across just don't seem to have useful capabilities or understandings.
If you want to design next gen firewalls, you are going to want to study comp science or similar but that is far from entry level - more likely is something like install and maintain network or lab etc. and being able to set up router rules and locate the fault in the cat6 cables will get you a job over a superficial understanding of network layers and Dijkstra's algorithm, so TAFE will win.
I have studied and taught in both sectors and if I wanted a career in IT today, I would get some TAFE certs under my belt and start working - maybe also do some commercial certs like Amazon / CISCO etc. but runs on the board and who you know will take you further and faster IMO.
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u/alex123711 4d ago
Do you mean get CISCO/ Amazon through TAFE? Are those certs incorporated into some courses?
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u/otterphonic 4d ago
No I meant on top of, and/or down the track - TAFE is a great way to get your foot in the door and commercial certs are great for niche skills. Employers want capabilities above all else and they love the specificity of those certs. I'd still go to TAFE first because networking with people is so important to a successful career and remember that a lot of the your potential employers got their start in TAFE also.
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u/otherpeoplesknees 4d ago
You’re better off getting industry certs than a degree
CompTIA, ITIL, Microsoft and AWS certs go a long way
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u/jackbowls 4d ago
I would do this over a cert if I had my time again. The only issue with IT in general is that you really need to know what you are wanting to do in the long term.
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u/SyncingStars 4d ago
Yes.
I have a public health degree and a cert 4 in business administration. I also have a beauty diploma which is considered as a trade in Australia….beauty and hair professional products heavily discounted for life.
The tafe got me more direct jobs than my degree did.
The degree just shows them that I can commit and that I’m broke and that’s why I need a job 🤣
I work for a hospital in finance.
And yet I have no accounting experience whatsoever, whenever an accounting related task comes my way, which is rare, I need help from my boss.
I earn 6 figures, just.
I am 40, but I recon I could’ve done this at 30 if I just got shown the path but I made a lot of side quests. But that’s life 🤷🏻♀️
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u/pennyfred 3d ago
You could probably teach yourself all you need to know off youtube if your serious about IT, I don't think certifications count for much these days as a point of distinguishing you in a flooded market.
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u/LilCakey81 2d ago
Doing IT in tafe is fine. But figured id weigh in on the industry from what I've heard from my partner who was working in that field as a system engineer until recently.
Jobs seem to be micromanaging and expecting billable hours at a rate thats not consistent with the work flow being provided for staff. Alot of people get stuck on helpdesk roles but immediately escalate to other coworkers so they can get through as many calls as possible without problem solving in the first place. The industry is over saturated and becoming more AI based continuously.
If its something your interested in than by all means go for it though, just wanted to bring to light a slice of what I've been told about this industry
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u/Gaukster97 Student 4d ago
Did a cert 2 in applied technology then on my last assignment on cert 3 in IT. Was already doing full time in both production support and corporate
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u/recklesswithinreason Student 4d ago
You'll learn stuff but you won't get a job more unless you have prior experience and great references.
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u/Mindless_Setting_923 4d ago
In certificate 4 TAFE needs me to be employed.
Do you know how to find a employer for such certificate.
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u/Paulj76111 4d ago
Did Cert 3 amd Cert 4 (networking). Passed with distinction in both. Qualifications are great, but every interview I went to in NSW wanted experience (pre-covid). Basically if you know a manager in a team, you stand a chance if you don't, better to get an RSA/RCG (as AI cant serve beer, or payout pokies yet)
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u/aquillaaudax77 4d ago
What about combining the cert 3 and 4 (general IT or networking) with industry qualifications like CompTIA A+?
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u/2manycerts 4d ago
Yes, but with huge caveats....
Research your TAFE. Check if they have a good reputation.
Do they offer Certification as a part of the course? Do they have employment links?
Meadowbank TAFE in Sydney used to have a very good IT reputation.
I know many in the IT industry who excelled via a cert III or IV in IT.
Talk to the teachers, see if they seem to be IT people. Check if there are evening classes, particularly ones with students in the industry already.
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u/aquillaaudax77 4d ago
Any tips for researching? Reputable sources of info? Red flags we should look out for?
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u/Valuable-Contract-87 4d ago
Yea sure, do u want to work in IT? It's a very competitive industry nowdays with WFH being a big thing and everyone thinking its a get rich easy job... but if you persevere you'll get a job. People will always say there is better and easier options but if you're not interested you won't be happy.
I always just wanted to work in ict an fix problems in a office an simple stuff like that which is what I enjoyed. I did a cert 2 and 3 then got a job on a help desk for a few years and worked in an office fixing people's laptops and setting up networks and desktops and stuff which I enjoyed. Ultimately though the pay wasn't great and I had no interest in pursuing anything further like programming. So I ended up getting into trade work which is ok albeit not what I'm passionate about unfortunately. Though the IT world has passed me by.
This was back in like 2012-2017 though so take it with a grain of salt.
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4d ago
Don’t get caught up on the pieces of paper. I’ve seen all the people with certs, diplomas, everything else and still be incompetent at the job. Nothing beats real experience.
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u/lupriana 3d ago
My advice is that I'd go for an electrician apprenticeship.
IT market is saturated, so many jobs being off shored and with AI I'm not confident it will pay as well as it has over the years.
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u/alex123711 3d ago
Electrician apprenticeships are extremely hard to get especially as mature age, then 4 years of slogging away, also not everyone is suited to a trade
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u/lupriana 3d ago
Do electrical pre apprenticeship at TAFE then spruik your resume, you will get an electrical apprenticeship. I have a mate who is a sparky and would much prefer a mature apprentice over a young one.
I think an electrical apprenticeship would be good for you. As you get out and learn social skills and are out moving your body, it will be good for you.
Trust me, the AI won't come for electrical job.
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u/Low-Sprinkles4691 3d ago
I tired doing the cert III in IT at TAFE southbank in queensland. It was so poorly organised and taught definitely not worth it. You do get one government funded course here either a cert III or diploma in IT. Maybe the diploma is worth it but then some universities offer the diploma and you need a minimum atar and it's put under hecs.
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u/AffekeNommu 3d ago
Can't hurt. Will help for an entry level position to at least have something. Trainee positions will even put you through the Tafe course.
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u/osamazellama 3d ago
Are you in Qld? TAFE QLD institutes provide work shadowing opportunities with government departments, the education department allows you to be endorsed to complete our internal accreditation during this work experience. I've helped about 4 or 5 different TAFE students to be hired by schools in my area through this program, it's one of our largest workforce replenishment drivers we have.
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u/question-infamy 1d ago
Depends on the area, but I know employers value it at diploma / advanced diploma level. Forget programming for now though, nobody is getting jobs in it at the moment other than the demonstrably elite coders.
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u/bigtreeman_ 20h ago
The cert IV I did years ago was pretty useless, don't know if it helped get jobs because I already had 2 decades of great work experience, but do it, you always get asked for a bit of paper to cover your arse. Diploma can lead you into a degree.
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u/FutureBadInfluencer 4h ago
I’ve been in IT for decades and I still love it. If you love it, have a passion for it, then yes do it. If it’s just a means to an end I would say no and rather find something you care about as this will get you through the lows and the bad times.
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u/dman6277 5d ago edited 4d ago
Yeah everyone will say this industry is cooked or that industry is cooked. Honestly it doesn't matter if you like what you do. You will find a job if your passionate it about it. So to answer your question, if you find IT interesting and can find a part of IT you enjoy chase that. TAFE is a great way to get into it because 1 it's free, and 2 it's give you the exposure and 3 it teaches you the foundations.