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Vocational Education and Training (VOC) Lecturer

Also known as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Lecturer, Technical Teacher and TAFE Lecturer.

Vocational education and training (VOC) lecturers teach vocational courses connected with specific industries and areas of work to help people enter or re-enter the workforce.

VOC lecturers teach subjects in which they have specialist knowledge, skills and experience, such as building and construction, business and commerce, commercial photography, hairdressing, horticulture, hospitality and tourism, retail, music, art, science, engineering and areas of health.

Some VOC lecturers teach in non-industry specific areas such as languages, literacy and general workplace preparation.

VOC lecturers may teach courses during the day, at night and on weekends.

They need to constantly revise their own knowledge of their subject area and conduct industry and student surveys to ensure that course content and teaching methods are up to date.

TASKS

VOC lecturers may perform the following tasks:

research and write a syllabus which covers everything to be taught in a course
interpret training packages, prepare lessons and produce resources such as typed notes, diagrams, demonstrations and model patterns for use in teaching
teach students in classrooms or workshops, providing theory and practical training through lectures, discussions, practical demonstrations and supervision
assess students by setting and marking exams and assignments and evaluating completed projects
carry out administrative tasks, such as keeping student records, arranging timetables and ordering supplies of materials to be used in teaching
counsel and advise students with career or personal problems, or refer them to counsellors
attend meetings and serve on committees, or liaise with the community and industry

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enthusiasm for, and ability in, their chosen field
good organisational skills
able to communicate concepts and instructions clearly
enjoy working with young and older adults
patient when dealing with students of differing abilities and from different cultures
acceptance of the rights and needs of individual students

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a VOC lecturer you usually need an appropriate qualification and/or experience in the field that you wish to teach in. This could be a trade, profession, craft or vocational area.

Once you have qualifications or experience in your subject area, entry to this occupation may be improved with teaching or training qualifications. A VOC qualification in training and assessment, training design and development, or vocational Education and Training is required to teach accredited training. VOC institutes will often support casual and part-time staff in obtaining these qualifications. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

In addition to a VOC qualification, a tertiary qualification in adult, vocational and workplace learning; tertiary teaching; or education, specialising in applied learning, is recommended for full-time staff. A number of institutions in Australia offer courses in these areas at bachelor degree and postgraduate levels. Entry to degree courses usually requires you to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.