South West Institute of TAFE

Overview

Since 1987 this TAFE educates and trains students in the south-western corner of the state of Victoria. In and around the seaside city of Warrnambool, close and ever expanding connections with the local and national industry have been established. It is one of the Institutes premier goals to combine a comprehensive education for the students with the fulfillment of actual and projected requirements of the economy. Modern leaning methods such as online-based education play an exceedingly important role in the TAFE’s portfolio.

Location

Some 300 kilometres from the state’s capital of Melbourne, the south-west region of Victoria is known for its diversity, which has made it an important tourist destination. The premier attraction is the Great Ocean Road, starting/finishing on the outskirts of Warrnambool. The city itself with its 35.000 inhabitants has become the industrial, commercial and administrative hub of the region and offers all the comforts of a modern community. Along the coastline magnificent beaches and ancient rainforests can still be found, while further inland the agricultural sector dominates.

The climate is pleasant most of the year with an average summer-temperature of 25 °C, while the winter months can be quite cold and rainy.

Campuses

A total of five campuses make out the South West Institute of TAFE. These are set in the following locations.

• Warrnambool
• Sherwood Park (East Warrnambool)
• Glenormiston
• Hamilton
• Portland

The Warrnambool campus is the largest of the five and houses the Institute’s management and the administration. In addition to that, here a modern and well equipped library can be found next to computer pools, bistros and canteens.
At Glenormiston campus the focus lies heavily on the agricultural sector with a number of specialized facilities.

Students

An average number of 10.000 students choose South West Institute of TAFE everyyear.

Main Program Areas
All in all, the Institute has about 500 short-, full- and part-time-courses on offer. These are the Main Program Areas:

• Arts
• Automotive & Transport Industries
• Building
• Business & Information Technology
• Engineering
• Hair Design & Beauty
• Health & Community Studies
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Rural & Horticulture
• Science & Food Technology

Entry Requirements

These may vary from course to course. In general, it is necessary to provide a school education that is the equivalent to the Australian years 10-12 with passes in English. Furthermore, enrolment at TAFEs in  Victoria requires a minimum level of English language skills (equivalent of IELTS academic version min. of 5.5).

Student Activities

The surroundings of South West Institute of TAFE support a rather active lifestyle. Surfing, fishing, swimming and other water based activities rank high on the list. Nature lovers will find the abundance of wildlife appealing. Numerous rare bird species call the area home, as well as some seal colonies along the coast. Between June and September whales visit the area and can be spotted from one of the many cruise ships or even from the beach.
The Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline for many spectacular kilometres and can truly be considered one of the world’s most impressive routes. A visit to such icons as The Twelve Apostles, London Bridge or The Bay of Islands should not be missed.

Application

Sounds like your place to be? The friendly people at AA education will be more than happy to provide information and assist you on your way to South West Institute of TAFE. Just email us to receive the application form and help with the usual administrative hurdles.