Choosing a course

Statistics show that generally, the more education you have, the more likely you are to be in stable employment. However, the wrong training is of no benefit.

Before you undertake further education or training, there are a number of questions you should ask to ensure you choose the right course to help you get the job you want.

Questions to ask potential employers:

  • What are the minimum training requirements for new employees?
  • Do they require a full qualification or just a few units, licences or tickets?
  • Do they offer apprenticeships or traineeships?
  • Do they have a preferred local training provider?
  • If you are considering a full qualification, do they have preferred electives?

Questions to ask training providers:

  • Is the course the right choice to help you get the job that you want?
  • Is there a list of the core and elective units available for the course?
  • Are there pre-requisites for the course and what level of English, maths and computer skills will be required?
  • Is Recognition of Prior Learning available?
  • Can you undertake skill sets from a course and / or build on the training or qualification in the future?
  • If a particular job requires licenses or tickets, will the course qualify you for these?
  • What are the employment outcomes for students who have undertaken the course?
  • Is there a work experience component to the course?
  • Is government subsidised training available for this course?
  • Will completing this course limit your future access to government subsidised training?*

    *Note that some jurisdictions have eligibility criteria that limits access to government subsidised training based on previous training enrolments (not just on the completed training).

Further information:

Find out more about training at myskills or visit your state's training website: