If you already have knowledge and skills from work or life experience, or if you've done non-TAFE courses or training, it's possible to get credit towards your TAFE qualification.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a great program that allows you to finish your course without having to complete subjects you're already experienced in. This can save you time and money.
Cassandra Coggins is one student who took advantage of RPL, completing an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management in just eight months.
Working in the hospitality industry for six years with no formal qualification, Cassandra said “It’s been a great experience to get all my skills recognised at last”.
Cassandra, who works as Sales Manager at Intercontinental Adelaide, put together a resume that detailed the skills and experience she'd gained so far, and had a training program tailored to address the skills she needed to complete her Advanced Diploma.
Cassandra undertook two work-based projects that involved occupational health and safety and business plan reporting (which included marketing, finance, staffing and business plan writing).
“These projects and reports were both part of my usual job, so the Intercontinental benefited from my working on the project and so have I.”
When you apply for RPL, your knowledge and skills are measured against the equivalent module(s) or unit(s) in the relevant course. If you are successful, you will be assessed as having already completed those modules or units in your course.
Find out more about
Recognition of Prior Learning.