Languages - VET study in languages

VET study in languages

Careers for language VET graduates

Many language courses in the VET sector are designed for people who already work in government or industries in which language skills are necessary or useful for career development.
However, VET courses in the languages field do lead to occupations that are uniquely and directly related to language skills. For example, you could learn how to teach English as a second language to newly-arrived migrants. Or you could become a qualified language interpreter or learn AUSLAN (sign language) in order to translate for the deaf.

Courses and specialisations

In the VET sector, it is easier to find the language course you are looking for. There are certificates I to IV and diplomas in specific languages, only some of which are listed below.

Specialisations
●Arabic ●French ●Italian ●Japanese ●Korean ●Spanish ●Spoken or written English ●Vietnamese

Overall, VET certificates and diplomas will focus more on the practical side of language study rather than theories and culture. In most, the aim is to acquire language skills. Plus, many are designed for those working in specific roles or industries.

From certificate III upwards, you will also find courses that are focused on developing a career or occupation that relates to languages, like teaching English as a second language (ESL) or teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). Interpreting and translation courses are only available at advanced diploma level.

Which course is for you?

It will depend on which language you need and why you need it. If you just want language skills, whether for personal interest or career advancement, then look at certificates and diplomas in specific languages.
There will be courses at diploma and advanced diploma level that prepare you to enter language-related occupations, such as teaching English to speakers of other languages. It will all depend on whether you want your language skills to be a useful addition to, or the central focus of, your vocational skill base.

Getting in

The certificate-level courses that teach language skills usually do not have any specific entry requirements. However, at the other end of the qualifications list, the advanced diplomas in interpreting are likely to have some entry requirements given that they help you to qualify as a professional.

Where to study

Although language courses are available at TAFE institutes and some registered training organisations around the country, not all languages will be offered at each institution. Some, like Arabic, will be hard to find. Interpreting and translation courses are only available at selected campuses but ESL and TESOL courses are widely available.

Pathways

In some instances courses in this field may provide articulation pathways to higher levels of study both within the VET sector and the university sector. Credit and recognition of prior learning may be given for some of the lower level VET courses (such as certificate II, III or IV) towards diploma courses in the same or related subject areas.
Similarly, students who complete diploma or advanced diploma courses may be eligible for entry into degree courses in languages. In such instances, recognition of prior learning may result in exemption from one to two years of the bachelor course.

Case study

Concurrent diploma courses

A number of universities offer a Diploma of Modern Languages, which can be completed in conjunction with a bachelor degree in another or a related area. For example, the Diploma of Modern Languages at the University of New England can be completed concurrently with any other bachelor degree.

VET Pathways

Graduates of the Diploma of Interpreting – LOTE/English at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education may be able to gain entry to the Institute’s Advanced Diploma of Interpreting. The Diploma is a suitable preparatory training program for those interested in applying for the Advanced Diploma but are not yet at the requisite level of advanced bilingual proficiency and general knowledge.