University and Tafe - what’s the problem?
Published 1 year, 9 months ago in My life.I am posting on the apparent attitude of some ‘academics’ regarding apparent discrimination I notice about the ‘lesser education’ recieved at Tafe than through the seemingly superior University.
I first felt the brunt of this as I was rejected from a traineeship from a certain high profile Newspaper because I had not completed the third year of my Uni degree and because all my fantastic academic efforts at Tafe did not seem notable enough. This same Newspaper will however, accept any applicantions for work with them if they have previously completed ANY university degree.
It seemed that it does not matter that my areas of study at Tafe had been highly academic and extensive, and more so - very relevant to the traineeship. I could produce a folio of excellent writing, etc. The evidence of my skills were there - but they would not be considered because I did not at least, have a B.A in something, no matter how far removed from journalism or the literature of anything close to the English language!
Having studied at both Uni and Tafe - I am appalled at this popular social belief by many academics and intellectuals that Tafe education is so quickly determined as insuperior to the University degree. From my own experience in both institutes - I find continually that education provided by Tafe institutes is more personal, more deep, more thorough, more reflective, more practical (naturally) and allows for students to challenge and question learning material in a more supportive and effective educational environment.
I understand that in the past Tafe has been understood as simply a place of ‘technical education’ - well I am insistent that today is is FAR FAR more than that. I wish to see a finer line drawn between those who have a University degree. This evidence of discrimination in the perception of those educated through Uni verse Tafe should be more closely examined and understood.
Of course, this ALL depends on what subjects one is learning. Scientists are not created through the Tafe system, for example. I accept this. The same with medical proffessionals, etc. etc.
But some areas’ of study and particulary industry, I admit, are absolutely mentored at Tafe in a very enriched fashion and it disappoints me greatly that this is so easily overlooked. What it is - to refine my point - is that through acknowledging that one has a Uni degree, you are simply accepting that they have been successful at studying at a particularly high level. Meanwhile - students doing academic subjects at Tafe and sometimes, practically identical subject areas are not apparently percieved as having been so capable.
It’s unfair, and I hope that this concept will change given due time.
6 Responses to “University and Tafe - what's the problem?”
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I agree. I hear so many Tafe students telling people that they go to Uni because they feel that people will look down their noses at them. I have completed a Tafe Certificate myself and I’m proud of it! I’ve got friends who have dropped out of Uni and have therefore have nothing to show for the years they were there.
Unfortunately professioal snobbery is not limited to where you obtained you education (TAFE or Uni). Having worked for years in the Health Care Industry in various levels of my discipline I am astounded at the level of bias from some of the elders towards lesser qualified members of the profession. While qualifications are important and essential individual ability should also be given equal weight. It is a pity that you were not provided with the opportunity to display your skills. Keep a positive attitude and one day you may be able to prove to those qualification snobs that they have poor judgement.
I’m sorry you didn’t get the employment you applied for because of the discrimination of some employers between TAFE & Uni. it shows their small mindedness. I agree with you re the support you get when studying at TAFE. I got my Diploma with them. I think that we should all spruik the greatness of the TAFE system whenever we can.
yeah there is a fair bit of discrimination between tafe and uni. but obviously the people who get into uni need an enter score and the ones who’ve worked their hardest wouldve probably gotten into the top uni’s.
however then u get those “well off” people who buy their way in.
so i dont noe what the logic to that was.
Thanks for your replies folks. I really appreciate the understanding out there!
Lyni - you are right. We must celebrate the worth of TAFE and hope that we can finally give this system the credit it deserves.
Aren’t they bringing back Technical Colleges in an attempt to increase the number if trades people out there? Apparently there is a new class of rich people namely the ‘Trades Person’ which would be confirmed by the number of Holden SS Commodore utes towing Jet skis cruising down here in Rosebud.