10 TAFE courses that lead to high-paying, AI-proof careers
No career is 100% future-proof, but these ones come close.
From nursing to cyber security to the trades that keep Australia running, these 10 TAFE courses at VU can launch you into jobs where demand is booming, pay is strong, and tech can’t replace you.
Whether you want to care for people, protect the digital world, or build something that lasts, this is your pathway to a career with real impact and a future you can feel confident about.
1. Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)
What you’ll learn: Step into real healthcare environments and build practical skills in clinical care, medication support, and patient assessments, with placements giving you a true feel for the job.
Where it can take you: You'll graduate from the Diploma of Nursing ready to work as an enrolled nurse in hospitals, aged care, or community health, with options to keep studying and grow your career further.
Why it pays off: Nurses are in huge demand and the pay reflects that. It’s meaningful work that tech can’t replace.
2. Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115)
What you’ll learn: Develop the skills to support nurses and health staff – from patient care to assisting in hospitals and aged-care facilities.
Where it can take you: You'll be trained to take on roles like health assistant, orderly or patient support worker, with the Cert III often used as a stepping stone into nursing or other health pathways.
Why it pays off: With Australia’s ageing population, health assistants are more important than ever, and you’ll be making a hands-on difference every day.
3. Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420)
What you’ll learn: You'll learn how to plan plumbing systems and install pipework, drainage, water systems and basic gas fittings, training at work and on campus while doing the Cert III.
Where it can take you: Start your career as an apprentice plumber and progress toward becoming licensed or even running your own business.
Why it pays off: Plumbing is one of those trades that never slows down. Safe water and reliable systems are essentials, and skilled plumbers are always in demand and well-paid for their expertise.
4. Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) (UEE30820)
What you’ll learn: Dive into electrical systems, installation, wiring and safety with practical training in industry-standard workshops as part of your Cert III.
Where it can take you: Begin as an apprentice electrician, then move into roles across construction, renewables or advanced industries.
Why it pays off: As Australia ramps up renewable energy and smart systems, electricians are in massive demand - and wages are strong across the board.
5. Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)
What you’ll learn: Learn to read plans and build the frameworks that hold houses, schools and office buildings together with this qualification designed for working apprentices.
Where it can take you: Become a carpenter, move into building, or set your sights on starting your own construction business.
Why it pays off: Carpenters are core to Australia’s housing and infrastructure pipeline. It’s steady work, pays well, and you’ll literally see the results of your craft stand for decades.
6. Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922)
What you’ll learn: Specialise in the tools and techniques of fabrication, from welding and sheet metal work to structural steel and heavy fabrication.
Where it can take you: Start out as a fabrication apprentice while completing your Cert III and grow into roles like boilermaker, welder, or sheet metal fabricator.
Why it pays off: Fabrication trades are the backbone of Australia’s infrastructure and industry. It’s highly skilled work with strong demand for qualified fabricators means strong wages and long-term security. These skills also open doors to industries like construction, mining, defence and manufacturing.
7. Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021)
What you’ll learn: How to support physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists in real clinical settings with practical training as part of your Cert IV.
Where it can take you: Allied health assistant roles in hospitals, schools and community services, with the option to pathway into further health qualifications.
Why it pays off: Allied health is one of the fastest-growing parts of the healthcare system, with strong pay and plenty of progression opportunities.
8. Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021)
What you’ll learn: Build your confidence and skills providing person-centred support in aged care and disability settings so you can help clients maintain their independence and dignity.
Where it can take you: After completing the Cert III, you can work as a support worker in aged care facilities, NDIS programs, or community settings.
Why it pays off: With reforms in aged care and the expansion of the NDIS, demand is booming. It’s meaningful work where you can make a daily impact.
9. Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC)
What you’ll learn: Gain hands-on skills in detecting cyber threats, responding to incidents and protecting critical systems as part of your Cert IV training.
Where it can take you: Build the confidence to take on cyber security support and analyst roles across industries like health, finance and government.
Why it pays off: With cyber crime on the rise, this is one of the fastest-growing fields in Australia with high entry-level salaries. As more industries go digital, cyber skills are only becoming more valuable.
10. Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)
What you’ll learn: Discover the art of laying bricks and blocks (it’s harder than it sounds!), reading building plans and creating the walls and structures our communities rely on.
Where it can take you: Start as an apprentice bricklayer while doing your Cert III and build a pathway to becoming a licensed builder.
Why it pays off: With housing and infrastructure projects booming, bricklayers remain one of the most in-demand and well-paid trades. It’s a solid, well-paid job where you see the results of your work rise from the ground up.
Why these careers matter now – and into the future
Put yourself on the path to solid pay, real impact and careers built to last. Health care and social assistance is the fastest growing industry in Australia, with 115,000 jobs added in the past year (+5.1% growth).
Trades like electrical, plumbing and carpentry remain essential as infrastructure projects expand and the housing market grows. Jobs that rely on complex hands-on skills, empathy, and human judgment are the hardest to automate – which means they’re safer bets as AI and tech reshape other industries.
What makes these jobs safe from AI?
Here’s the truth: many of these jobs will be at least partially supported (but not supplanted) by automation. But machines can’t replicate human empathy, manual dexterity, or complex problem-solving.
That’s why skills like nursing, allied health, plumbing, and electrical will stay valuable. TAFE courses, especially health and trades ones, can be your gateway to some of the most AI-proof careers you can choose.
What makes VU TAFE different?
What really sets VU TAFE apart is the combo of real-world training with support that makes a difference:
Hands-on learning – You’ll build your skills in industry-standard labs, health clinics and workshops, so you’re job-ready from day one
Industry connections – Our close ties with employers and industry partners mean your training matches real workplace needs
Hybrid and flexible delivery – Courses are designed to help you balance face-to-face training with work and other commitments in life
Support every step – From application help to mentoring, wellbeing and academic support, you’ll never be left to figure things out alone
Free TAFE options – Many of these courses are offered as part of the Free TAFE initiative, meaning you could study almost entirely cost free*
*No tuition fees for eligible students. Services and materials fees still apply.
See for yourself at VU TAFE Open Night
Want to learn more about doing a health or trades TAFE course? Come along to VU TAFE Open Night at Sunshine Campus on Thursday 23 October 2025 from 5-7pm.
From tours to free food and the chance to apply on the spot, it’s worth getting down to check it all out. Plus, if you register now, you’ll also go in the draw to win one of four $250 vouchers.
