Working and Studying Full Time

Working while studying can be a great way to pursue career opportunities while remaining financially secure. However, balancing working and studying full time can be challenging. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of online learning with study planning, time management, study leave, and future planning. By exploring the available tools and support, you can ease the transition into full-time work and study and choose a course that suits your life goals.

How to Balance Work and Study

Finding a happy medium between work and study can be tricky, even for students with a lower workload, but it’s not impossible. To succeed, you will need time management and communication skills, as well as healthy study and stress management strategies. You can manage your work-study balance in a variety of ways, including:

• Study planning - Writing a schedule can help you manage your time and prioritise important tasks. Keeping track of assignments in a study planner not only helps you to meet deadlines but also helps you visualise the milestones you’ve reached. Study planning also allows you to factor in leisure time, which motivates you to work harder.
• Communicating with your employer - Checking in with your manager regularly and keeping them up to date on your study schedule will help you plan your study and work schedules in a way that works for you. Managers may also offer support such as professional development sponsorship, study benefits, or study leave.
• Stress management - Use your study planning to plan relaxation periods to avoid burnout. Scheduling time to wind down can help improve your productivity and benefit your mental and physical health. Different activities that can alleviate stress include listening to music, meditation and yoga; however, stress management can also be tied to caring for your health.
• Health management - Maintain a regular sleeping schedule and a well-balanced diet. Taking care of your health will help you perform better mentally and tackle difficult tasks at TAFE. You can make cooking more manageable by putting together a meal plan to save money and time. Good health management will reduce stress levels and the chance of stress-induced illness, which can severely impact your performance and attendance at both work and TAFE.

If your health or wellbeing is suffering because of your studies, consider contacting TAFE Gippsland’s Student Support Services Team to discuss alternative options to ease your study load. Or, if you’d like some more helpful study tips (and student goodies), take a look at our Study at Home Survival Guide.

Study Leave

TAFE can be an exciting journey full of new challenges, and to successfully manage your time, you’ll need to combine proactive time management strategies with workplace communication. Additionally, many workplaces offer the option of study leave. Study leave is a form of leave available when completing an accredited course of study and is generally granted for up to 38 hours (five days) per year. Employees can use this leave for many situations, including:

• Formal and informal professional development
• Classes where scheduling is unavailable outside of work hours
• Examinations
• Graduation ceremonies

To learn more about your workplace’s available study leave, consider contacting your employer or referencing your employee contract.

How to Choose a Course That Fits You

Choosing a course that fits your passions, goals and work-study balance can significantly improve the quality of your TAFE experience. Asking yourself questions such as whether or not you want to advance in your current career or branch out into another can also help. For example, if you’re looking to progress within your current field, taking a relevant course can often result in better workplace support and an easier understanding of the subject matter. Some other factors you may want to consider when choosing a course include:

• What do you enjoy? Studying something you are passionate about can make all that work seem fun!
• What are your goals? A clear vision of what you want to achieve through education will help you concentrate on the end reward and push through any challenges you encounter.
• What opportunities are offered during the course?Are there any practical experience opportunities, internships or apprenticeship opportunities? If these things are important to you and your goals, they must be established early on.
• What opportunities are available upon completing your course?Will this course set you up for future employment opportunities and success? Researching job statistics and local employment opportunities can help you decide if a course is worth pursuing.
• Is the course available online?Online learning offers flexible access to course resources and reduces time dedicated to travelling to and from campus, which can be highly advantageous when working full-time.

If you’d like to learn more about some different career directions offered at TAFE Gippsland and how you can explore what fits you, read more about how your personality and skills can help guide you to a fulfilling career.

Advantages of Online Learning

Choosing to study online is perfect for balancing not only work and education but also your personal life. Online learning offers a huge range of advantages, including:

• Flexibility - Online classes allow you to study and work outside of traditional hours, from anywhere you can access a reliable internet connection. Because of the flexibility of online classes, you can pursue a full-time learning mode, which will shorten the duration of your course.
• Creative Resources - Because online learning uses various tools and software, as well as visual and auditory mediums, students can make multiple connections to the material and better understand the subject matter.
• Soft skill development - You must successfully manage your time and remain self-motivated throughout your course. These skills will help you not only succeed in your course but also in your long-term professional and personal development.
• Financial stability - You can maintain your financial independence while studying, allowing you to continue to bolster your resume and earn a consistent income. Additionally, extra income can aid in paying for any course materials or fees.
• Technical skills - Online learning will teach you how to use various hardware and software, such as Zoom, Trello, Slack, and Google Hangouts, as well as how to communicate effectively online. These abilities can be advantageous in today's rapidly changing workplace.

If you’re interested in online learning, we have a broad range of courses available at TAFE Gippsland to suit your chosen study mode.

Online TAFE Courses

At TAFE Gippsland, we provide a variety of pathways, including numerous online courses. These courses will not only provide you with a healthy opportunity for work-study balance through flexible delivery but will also jumpstart your future career with valuable skills:

• CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
  • If you’re interested in a career in mental health as a community rehabilitation worker or outreach officer, this course will equip you with the skills for a successful future in the Mental Health sector. To be eligible for this course, you must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test and a Pre-Training Review. You must also have a Year 11 pass or be of mature age and have a clear Police and Working with Children Check. Due to the online nature of this course, you will require access to suitable technology and a capability with computers. During this course, you will learn valuable skills such as implementing trauma-informed care, facilitating the counselling relationship and working with diverse people. Read more on the mental health sector and what a career in mental health entails here.

• CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • Expand your specialist knowledge in the alcohol and drugs sector and attain work as a case worker, outreach officer or youth alcohol and other drugs worker with this high-level diploma. To be eligible for this course, you must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test and a Pre-Training Review. You must also have a Year 11 pass or be of mature age and have a clear Police and Working with Children Check.  Due to the online nature of this course, you will require access to suitable technology, suitable internet and a capability with computers. During this course, you will learn valuable skills such as developing and reviewing individual alcohol and other drug treatment plans, providing first aid and providing systems advocacy services.

• AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture
  • With 3,400 farms spanning the Gippsland region, the agricultural sector is a booming industry for TAFE Gippsland students seeking employment in positions such as agronomists, farm production managers and station managers. Completing a Certificate IV in Agriculture and/or having past equivalent experience is recommended to be eligible for entry into this course. It’s all recommended that you have current work in the industry to enable you to participate in active learning. Due to the online nature of this course, you will require access to a reliable internet connection to support video conferencing, a computer or tablet and a headset (with microphone and earphones). During this course, you will learn valuable skills such as developing farm plans, managing forage conservation and developing livestock health and welfare strategies.

• CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
  • Become a successful case manager and deliver person-centred services. To be eligible for entry, you must currently work in the community services sector, be of mature age, and have a clear Police and Working with Children Check. Due to the online nature of this course, you will require suitable internet and technology access to participate in online classes. During this course, you will participate in multiple webinars with forum guests, learning valuable skills such as providing case management supervision, assessing co-existing needs and managing legal and ethical requirements.

• VCE0000001 Victorian Certificate of Education
  • Start your higher education journey with the Victorian Certificate of Education, opening pathways to further study at TAFE or university. To be eligible for entry into this course, you must be:
    • 18 years of age as of the 1st of January (of the year commencing) and have not studied VCE in the 12 months prior, OR
    • 17 years of age or under with an ‘Exemption from School’ letter and have completed Year 10
    • Reside in Victoria or have a Victorian home address
  • You must also have a computer and reliable internet access for a minimum of 20 to 25 hours per week. Additionally, you must have a webcam or camera, headset, printer access and the ability to purchase the required textbooks before commencing. During this course, you will learn valuable skills in English, Mathematics, Psychology and Sociology.

Balancing work and study can be difficult, but equipped with the best tools and information, you can combine healthy study habits and time management skills with flexible online learning to get the most out of your education. Additionally, choosing a course that meets your life objectives will help you succeed at working while studying, maintaining your financial security and giving you access to the most professional opportunities. With the support of your employer, educational provider, family and friends, working and studying full time is feasible; all you need to do is ensure that you have a plan in place. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about the support and opportunities available at TAFE Gippsland.