Career Ready – Free or Reduced Cost Certificate Training - 2026
Career Ready is a Queensland Government initiative providing free or low-cost training for Year 11 and 12 students in high-priority areas. The qualifications available are backed by industry and focus on the skills most in demand across the state. Students can complete Career Ready training alongside other school-based programs or choose to undertake additional courses with a training provider at their own cost. This is a great opportunity to get a head start on a career pathway while still at school.
The Queensland Government has consulted with industry to develop a provisional list of Certificate I and II qualifications that will be funded under Career Ready from 2026. More information will be available during Semester 2, 2025, including the final qualification list and details on which training providers have been contracted to deliver these courses. For further information and updates, please visit the Queensland Government website here.
Certificate & Diploma Courses
Students don't have to wait until they finish school to pursue their interests. Instead, they can enroll in Certificate III & Diploma courses offered by various Registered Training Organisations (RTO) like TAFE during years 10, 11 & 12. By doing so, students can obtain a nationally-recognised qualification while still in school and graduate with the skills needed for a job or further studies. These courses typically run for 12 - 18 months and begin at the start of the school year, although RTO's may have mid-year or termly intakes available.
Certificate courses are for students who want to transition directly into the workforce or pursue vocational training after completing school. However, it's important for students attending off-campus training one day a week to have excellent time management skills. They will need to stay on top of the school work they miss at school by effectively communicating with their teachers.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is your individual education number. The USI stays with a student for life and allows students to access their enrolment and achievement record online through the USI Transcript Service for all vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia.
If you're at university, TAFE or doing other nationally recognised training, including while you are at school you need a USI. Without one, you can't get Commonwealth financial assistance or your qualification or statement of attainment.
To get a USI please go to usi.gov.au - students will need one form of identification to create a USI along with their mobile phone number and personal email (DO NOT USE your school email @eq.edu.au).
Sharing your USI with education or training providers
The student must then provide the USI details to their training provider (school RTO, TAFE or other training provider) or they will not receive a statement of attainment or qualification certificate.
VETiS Funded Courses
Students can undertake nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications while they are enrolled in school. Some of these qualifications, known as
VET in Schools (VETiS), may be funded through the Queensland Government’s VET Investment Budget.
VETiS-funded qualifications are limited to those listed on the
Priority Skills List and are available at Certificate I and Certificate II levels.
It is important to note that VETiS funding can only be accessed once and is only available while the student is enrolled at school. Once a student uses this funding entitlement, any further VET qualifications at the same level will need to be paid for by the student or their family.
Some VETiS-funded courses may be delivered at Miami State High School or through an external Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Important Information for Students and Parents Considering a TAFE at School Course
Before applying for a TAFE at School course, it is essential to understand the expectations and requirements to ensure student success. While most courses do not have formal entry requirements, students must demonstrate the ability to thrive in an adult learning environment and commit to completing a certificate-level qualification.
To be considered for a TAFE at School course, students should:
✔ Be achieving a pass in English, Mathematics, and Science
✔ Maintain a satisfactory attendance record
✔ Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and engagement in school
As the student's primary learning provider, the school will assess applications based on academic progress and suitability. Our goal is to support students in making informed decisions that will set them up for success in their senior studies and future pathways.
Certificate II in Electrotechnology – Additional Requirements
For students applying for the Certificate II in Electrotechnology, please note:
✔ Only Year 11 students are eligible for this course.
✔ A minimum C grade in Applied Mathematics is strongly recommended.
✔ To secure a School-Based Apprenticeship, students must have passes in Year 10 English, Mathematics, and Science.
Self-Assessment for Certificate II in Electrotechnology
To assist with the application process, students considering the Certificate II in Electrotechnology should complete a diagnostic self-assessment. This assessment is available via the link below and should be completed before applications open. The results will help determine whether a student has the foundational skills required to succeed in the course.
Please note: Information and prices are subject to change without notice, please contact the provider before enrolling into the course. How to Apply
Expressions of Interest for 2026 TAFE at School programs are now open.To submit an Expression of Interest for a 2026 TAFE at School Program, students will need to:
Step 2: Ensure students have the following details ready:- LUI number
- USI number
- Personal email address
- Mobile number (if available)
We send all communication to both parents and students, so please ensure parent contact details are accurate.
Important Notes
We encourage students to apply as early as possible to avoid missing out.
What happens next
Following the finalisation of all 2026 program details, offers will be sent to students and their parents/guardians during Term 4. Each offer will include a response deadline - it is important that students reply by the date, or their place may be offered to someone else.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact TAFE:
📞 07 5581 8810
📧 schools.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au
Please note: Information and prices are subject to change without notice, please contact the provider before enrolling into the course.
Expressions of Interest for 2026 TAFE at School programs
How to Submit an Expression of Interest
Step 1: Download the Flyer
Apply at: tafeapply.com
Application Code: Please refer to the flyers for the correct code.
Step 2: Ensure students have the following details ready:
- LUI number
- USI number
- Personal email address
- Mobile number (if available)
We send all communication to both parents and students, so please ensure parent contact details are accurate.
Important Notes
We encourage students to apply as early as possible to avoid missing out.
What happens next
Following the finalisation of all 2026 program details, email offers will be sent to students and their parents/guardians during Term 4. Each offer will include a response deadline - it is important that students reply by the date, or their place may be offered to someone else.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the relevant TAFE at School Team:
Brisbane: Schools.Brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au
SkillsTech: Schools.SkillsTech@tafeqld.edu.au
South West: GOTAFE.SouthWest@tafeqld.edu.au
Aviation Australia: customerexperience@aviationaustralia.aero
Students at Miami State High School have the opportunity to study Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses on campus as part of their school timetable. These courses contribute towards a QCE and provide valuable industry-recognised skills and qualifications. For a full list of on-campus VET courses and subject selection details, please visit our Year 11 & 12 Subject Information page.
Contact
If you'd like to find out more about certificate or diploma courses, contact Mrs Raechelle Hart - Industry & Vocational Training Officer at rhart134@eq.edu.au