As HSC students anxiously await their results and ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank), a 2016 graduate had a few words of advice.
"Don't rush into uni 'cause school or uni or friends are telling you. Figure out what you like and what you want to do," said Alex Du Rieu.
The 20-year-old from Blaxland is undertaking a Bachelor of Education and Care (0-5 years) at TAFE in Blacktown.
She chose TAFE over university because the course provided "more hands-on experiences and placements".
She's just completed a 12-day placement at Blaxland Preschool and Kindergarten and enjoyed it immensely.
"At placements in general you learn a lot of new concepts and different ways of doing doing things," Miss Du Rieu said.
"Most of all you learn that children are our teachers, as we are their's. Children make you young yourself. You get to discover and explore ... developing an interest in what they're doing."
Miss Du Rieu completed a Certificate 3 and Diploma in Early Education and Care, before starting her Bachelor of Education and Care in July. She's received credit for her earlier studies, so in 18 months she'll have completed her degree.
It's the first time TAFE NSW is offering early entry into this degree.
HSC students can apply for entry to study a TAFE degree, without an ATAR.
"By allowing students to apply for entry to a degree before receiving an ATAR, the TAFE NSW Early Entry Program gives students and their families some much-needed peace of mind," said Michael Cullen, the regional general manager of TAFE NSW.
TAFE NSW degrees offer flexible study options, including online with TAFE Digital, which means students don't have to travel to study, can work part-time and complete a degree at their own pace.
Applications are open until the end of January for the TAFE NSW early entry program. For more information, visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/early-entry-program.
