Gold Coast Course Guide

Ways you can study

On campus

You’ll learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces like a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated learning environment. You can also interact with your teachers using live video or web conference programs. You may also need to access our learning management system, Connect, to access resources, assessment details or submit assessments.

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces like a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated learning environment. In this study mode you will attend a TAFE Queensland campus most of the time, but some of your classes or training may be via video or web conference programs (like Zoom).

Online self-directed

Our online self-directed courses are designed for individuals who want the flexibility to study at their own pace and cannot or prefer not to attend on campus or be locked into attending classes at specified times. You will access learning materials including documents, videos, assessments and more through Connect – our learning management system and will complete self-paced study.

Online virtual classroom

Your course will be delivered online, but to a scheduled timetable. To complete your study you will interact with your teachers and other students using live video or web conference programs (like Zoom), and access learning materials through Connect – our learning management system.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

If you’ve completed prior study or have significant work experience, applying for credit transfers or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce study time and costs.

Online with on campus practical training

Your course is primarily online, however you will need to come into a campus to undertake face-to-face practical learning and assessment. As an online student you will access learning materials through Connect – our learning management system and may interact with your teachers and other students using live video or web conference programs.

Residential blocks

Some of our courses are delivered via mixed mode in intensive blocks of training and distance education. You may be required to travel away from home to complete this type of study. Funding support may be available to assist students with travel, accommodation and meal costs. Students must provide evidence of ABSTUDY eligibility.

Apprenticeship

Earn while you learn. Work and earn a wage with an employer while you complete hands-on training and a nationally-recognised qualification.

Traineeship

Work and learn at the same time. Combine on-the-job training with an employer, while you study and get paid.

TAFE at School

If you’re a Year 10, 11 or 12 student, you can complete a range of certificate I, II or III courses. TAFE at School courses work in with your existing high school studies and also count towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid work with structured training to gain a qualification. At TAFE Queensland, we work with your employer to help you successfully gain competence in a trade (apprenticeship) or a vocational area (traineeship).

Upon completion, you may find yourself in a great place to keep working, go on to future study or even start your own business!

Did you know you can start an apprenticeship or traineeship during high school, after school or if you’ve been in the workforce for a long time?

Traineeships vary in length from six months to three years, while apprenticeships generally take three to four years to complete. TAFE Queensland will assist you and your employer to get started and will provide ongoing support every step of the way!

Four easy steps to become an apprentice or trainee

1 Choose the right apprenticeship or traineeship

• Think about what you enjoy doing and what your interests are.

• Speak to your family, friends or your school career counsellor or guidance officer.

• Get the facts at apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au

2 Find an employer

• You can be employed directly by a business. The business will pay your wages and train you with the support of a training organisation.

To find an employer:

• Contact businesses in person, make phone calls, send personalised emails.

• Search for jobs on websites: workforceaustralia.gov.au, seek.com.au and careerone.com.au

• Using your personal networks, talk to family and friends to see if they know anyone who could employ you as an apprentice or trainee.

• Contact a Workforce Australia provider, these organisations can provide you with a list of job vacancies in your area. Visit workforceaustralia.gov.au

• You can be employed by a group training organisation who will place you with different businesses to gain on-the-job experience, pay your wage and organise your training. To find a group training organisation visit desbt.qld.gov.au/training/employers/gto

• TAFE Queensland have Vocational Placement Coordinators to assist the pre-vocational certificate II graduates through the vocational placement or work experience process.

3 Choose your training partners

• Work with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network: They will work with you and your employer at this stage to help you complete the training contract.

• Choose a training organisation: You and your employer will choose a training organisation (TAFE Queensland) who will work with you throughout the apprenticeship or traineeship. Visit the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network at australianapprenticeships. gov.au for more information.

4 Get started

• Complete your paperwork: Speak to your employer and your training organisation to complete your paperwork and develop your training plan.

• Use the probationary period: Probation is a period when the apprentice or trainee works and trains with an employer before each decides whether to continue.

Study areas

Whether you dream of a career in Nursing, Hospitality, Business, IT, Community Services or the Trades, TAFE Queensland has the course options that gets you job ready sooner.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which TAFE Queensland operates. We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters, culture and kin that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples uphold. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, who give us strength, inspiration and guidance to deliver great training outcomes for all Queenslanders.

Short Courses

Digital Screen and Media

Certificate III in Screen and Media CUA31020

Job prospects: Junior 3D Modeler/Animator, Assistant Video Editor, Storyboard/Concept Artist, Texture Artist, Motions Graphics Designer, VFX Composition Editor

Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51020 (Focus: 3D Animation and Visual Effects)

Job prospects: Assistant Photo Editor, Assistant 3D Animator/ Modeler, Assistant Camera Operator, Video and Sound Editor, Assistant Storyboard Artist

Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51020 (Focus: Film & TV Production)

Job prospects: Film Director, Television Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Master Control Operator, Production Manager, Technical Director, 1st Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, Continuity Supervisor

Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51020 (Specialist Makeup Services)

Job prospects: Special Makeup Effects Technician, Makeup Artist, Film/TV and Stage Work, Prosthetic Workshop Technician, Hair Stylist

Graphic Design

Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720

Job prospects: Junior Graphic Design Assistant, Design Assistant

Diploma of Graphic Design CUA50720

Job prospects: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Interface Design, Creative Entrepreneur, Multimedia Designer, Digital Artist

Interior Design and

Decoration

Diploma of Interior Design MSF50222

Job prospects: Interior Decorator/Designer, Colour Consultant, Interior Drafter

Certificate III in Music CUA30920

Job prospects: Assistant Music Manager, Assistant Sound Mixer, Working Musician

Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Performance)

Job prospects: Composer, Vocalist, Music Professional, Musician, Music Retailer, Midi Programmer

Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Sound Production)

Job prospects: Assistant Sound Engineer, Sound Engineer, Music Producer, Composer

Education and Training Education Support

Certificate III in School Based Education Support CHC30221

Job prospects: Education Assistant (Special Needs), Home Tutor, Indigenous Support Worker, Teacher Aide/Assistant

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support CHC40221

Job prospects: Education Assistant, Indigenous Language and Culture Teaching Assistant, Education Support Worker, School Officer, Teacher Aide, Inclusive Education Assistant, Home Tutor

Foundation Skills

Course in Skills to Access Learning Pathways 11137NAT

Job prospects: Further study pathways

Course in Skills to Develop Learning Pathways 11138NAT

Job prospects: Further study pathways

Southport

Coomera Creative

Huxley School of Makeup, Burleigh Heads

Coomera Creative

Robina, Southport

Coolangatta Coomera Southport

Coolangatta Coomera Robina

Foundation Skills (cont.)

Robina

Cabinetry and Joinery

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology MSF30322

Job prospects: Cabinet Maker

Certificate III in Shopfitting CPC30120

Job prospects: Shopfitter

Carpentry

Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30220

Job prospects: Carpenter and Joiner

Electrotechnology and Refrigeration

Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) UEE22020

Job prospects: Apprenticeship Pathway – Electrician

Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems UEE20120

Job prospects: Split Air-conditioning and Heat Pump Installer

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration UEE32220

Job prospects: Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic/Fitter

Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30820

Job prospects: Electrician

Certificate III in Electrical Fitting UEE33020

Job prospects: Electrical Fitter

Engineering

Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade MEM31922 (Boilermaking/Welding, Fabrication, Sheetmetal)

Job prospects: Boilermaker, Motor Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Toolmaker, Welder, Sheetmetal Worker (First class)

Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade MEM30219 (Fitting/Machining)

Job prospects: Fitter and Turner, Fluid Power Mechanic, Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanical Fitter, Metal Machinist (First Class)

Horticulture

Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30722

Job prospects: Horticulturalist, Nursery Worker, Parks and Gardens Worker

Certificate III in Landscape Construction AHC30921

Job prospects: Parks and Gardens Tradesperson, Landscape Gardener

Certificate III in Parks and Gardens AHC31021*

Job prospects: Parks and Gardens Tradesperson, Landscape Gardener, Greenkeeper

Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation AUR20720

Job prospects: Apprenticeship Pathway – Marine Mechanical

Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction MEM30719

Job prospects: Boat Builder and Repairer, Marine Fabrication

Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology AUR30520

Job prospects: Marine Technician

Ashmore

Coomera Marine

Plumbing

Certificate II in Drainage CPC20720

Job prospects: Drainer

Certificate II in Plumbing Services 11054NAT

Job prospects: Apprenticeship Pathway – Plumbing

Certificate III in Gas Fitting CPC32720

Job prospects: Gasfitter

Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32420

Job prospects: Plumber (General)

Certificate III in Roof Plumbing CPC32620

Job prospects: Roofing Installer, Roof Plumber

Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services CPC40920 (Open Gas Licence)

Job prospects: Open Gas Licence

Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services CPC40920 (Plumbing Licence)

Job prospects: Plumbing Contractor, Specialist Hydraulic Designer (Plumber)

Short courses

Try a new career path, brush up on your skills, or unlock your creative talents with a short course. Our short courses are designed to give you an introduction into a new area without the time and cost of a formal or full qualification.

Accredited short courses

Short courses, units, and skill sets are a great option if you’re a qualified professional who wants to diversify your professional portfolio and boost your resume. An accredited short course or skill set will earn you official credits for the units you complete. These unit credits may even be applied to a related qualification at a later date if you choose to study a full certificate or diploma.

Course Campus

Nursing and Health

First Aid and CPR Skill Set SSHLT0031

• HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Non-accredited short courses

Non-accredited short courses give you hands-on training in a new set of skills you can use in your personal or professional life. They are a great way to refresh your knowledge if you’ve been out of an industry for a while, or even to give you a taste of a different industry altogether.

• Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud

• AutoCAD

• Barossa Wine Enthusiast Course

• Beginning in Bees

• Creative Writing

• Creative Writing Advanced

• Croissant Crafting Workshop

• Fermentation Workshop

• First Aid for Pets

• Honey Bee Health Management

• Introduction to Computers and the Internet

• Introduction to Interior Design

• Introduction to the Stockmarket

• Introduction to Veterinary Nursing

• Microsoft Office Excel

• Microsoft Office PowerPoint

• Microsoft Office Word

• Microsoft OneNote

• Seasonal Management of Honey Bees

• Spanish Conversation

• Sourdough: Pizza Masterclass

• Sponge Cake Workshop for Beginners

• Starting and Managing a Small Business

• Xero Accounting

• Xero GST and BAS

Southport

Our facilities

CLINICAL LABS

Our Southport campus is home to our clinical labs, boasting a 64-bed simulated real-world hospital environment, including:

• State-of-the-art simulation labs with augmented reality hologram patients

• Innovative, world class equipment for all areas of health care service

• An industry-standard rehabilitation room, fully equipped with physical rehabilitation equipment for settings ranging from hospitals to community-based care

ROBINA CAMPUS

At the forefront of sustainable vocational institutions in Australia, the Robina campus is a place for the community to come together. Students practise their newfound skills, connecting with the local community at our live training facilities, including:

• Green Fields Bar + Restaurant

• Nature’s Escape Hair and Beauty Salon

• REC – Robina Events Centre

• Seedpod Café

• TQ Fitness

LEARN MORE

CREATIVE HUB

Offering a range of creative outlets, our purpose-built campus located at Coomera will amplify your inspiration. Our specialist facilities include:

• Cyber security training operation centre

• Industry-standard software, hardware, programs and tools

• Recording studios featuring Avid Pro Tools and Sibelius

• Jed Cahill Black box theatre and multi-purpose auditorium

TRADE TRAINING

Find industry-standard technology and latest diagnostic equipment from across all industries at our innovative trades areas located at Ashmore and Coomera Marine campuses, including:

• Custom-built carpentry building, featuring an elevated working at heights training area

• Multi-level plumbing tower that simulates the complexities of residential and commercial multi-level dwellings

• Purpose-built marine campus equipped with separate fiberglass chambers and spray-painting booths

LEARN MORE

Ashmore

Coomera Marine

LEARN MORE

Gold Coast Course Guide - 2025