This guide supports parents and guardians of young people under the age of 18 who are enrolling at TasTAFE. It includes key information about the adult learning environment, duty of care, supervision, attendance, support services, and expectations of young learners, particularly when studying on a TasTAFE site.
Our Commitment to Child and Youth Safety
At TasTAFE, we believe every young person has the right to feel and be safe, respected, and supported. We are committed to creating a learning environment where all learners, including those under 18 years, are protected from harm and are empowered to thrive.
TasTAFE has zero tolerance for the abuse and neglect of children and young people. We promote a child safe and child friendly culture through clear policies, ongoing training, and by identifying and managing child safety risks. We all have a responsibility to act promptly, report, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people when concerns are raised.
TasTAFE upholds the Child and Youth Safe Standards and the Universal Principle for Aboriginal Cultural Safety. Our Child Safe Code of Conduct outlines expectations for how everyone at TasTAFE, including staff, learners, contractors, and visitors, must behave when interacting with children and young people.
We are committed to the empowerment, participation, and cultural safety of all young people, including Aboriginal learners, learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ learners, learners with disability, and those who may be unable to live at home.
We recognise that child safety is a shared responsibility. Parents, staff, and learners all have an important role to play in ensuring young people are heard, supported, and safe.
You can view our Child Safe Code of Conduct on the TasTAFE website or request a copy from 1300 655 307.
Important Information
Age Eligibility for Enrolment
TasTAFE has age requirements for learners enrolling in courses. Here's what you need to know:
If your child is 18 or under
- Learners under 18 generally need parent or guardian permission to enrol.
- Some learners may be considered independent and not require permission. This includes apprentices, trainees, or those who can provide evidence of independent living (e.g. Centrelink documents, marriage certificate, or proof of income).
If your child is 16 or 17
- They can enrol through the standard online process.
- If they’re still attending secondary school, their application will be reviewed by our VET in Schools (VETiS) Coordinator before enrolment is confirmed.
If your child is 15 or younger
- Learners must usually be at least 16 years old to enrol in most TasTAFE courses.
- Exceptions do apply, especially for short courses or VET in Schools programs.
If your child is 15 or younger, they are unlikely to be allowed to enrol in many courses. However, we often allow younger learners to enrol in short courses, so it's important to discuss your options with us. Please contact us on 1300 655 307 if you would like to request special consideration.
Parent or Guardian Permission
Parent or Guardian Permission is provided through the Parent Guardian Consent Form.
By submitting the form, parents or guardians confirm their understanding of :
- The adult learning environment at TasTAFE.
- Their child's participation in on-campus and online classes.
- Off-campus excursions and the use of video and photography in education.
The responsibility to disclose any relevant medical or disability-related information. Acceptance of TasTAFE’s Student Code of Conduct.
Adult Learning Environment
TasTAFE provides education and training in an adult learning environment. Learners under 18 will be in classes with adult learners of all ages. Course content may include mature themes and learners are expected to manage their own attendance, learning, and communication with teachers.
Absenteeism, Supervision and Duty of Care
TasTAFE records attendance in all classes. Repeated absenteeism or signs of disengagement may be referred to the Department for Education, Children and Young People. Families should ensure all contact details are current.
There is no supervision before or after classes, or during scheduled breaks.
For learners under 18, it’s important that parents or guardians report any absences to TasTAFE as soon as possible. This helps teaching staff understand the reason for the absence and offer appropriate support if needed. While learners are expected to manage their own attendance, communication from families can assist in identifying and addressing any issues early.
Unscheduled Time and Class Schedules
Course timetables at TasTAFE differ from those in schools. Learners may have long breaks between classes or days without scheduled training. Learners are expected to use this time responsibly. Supervision is not provided during these periods. Induction sessions will provide learners with information about timetables, class expectations, and available support.
Excursions and Work Placement
Courses may include short educational excursions or work placements. Separate consent will be sought for overnight or higher-risk excursions. Parents and guardians may be responsible for arranging transport for excursions and placements. During work placement, TasTAFE staff do not supervise learners directly; learners report to a designated workplace supervisor.
Health and Medical Information
To provide appropriate support, TasTAFE encourages parents and guardians to disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, or disabilities on the consent form. This information is treated confidentially and shared only with staff who need it to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Online Learning and Technology Use
Some training is delivered online. These sessions may be recorded for educational use. Learners must comply with TasTAFE's Student Internet Usage Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy. Parents should ensure their child understands expectations and engages safely and respectfully in the online environment.
Independent Learner
An “independent learner” who is under 18 years of age is required to provide evidence of their independence. This evidence can include:
- Centrelink documentation confirming independent status
- Letter from an external service provider confirming sustained independent living
- Third Party Statutory Declaration confirming sustained independent living
- Marriage Certificate
- Evidence of parenthood – Child’s birth certificate, guardianship documents, adoption documents
- Evidence of sustained wages that support independent living – income statement, payslips, letter from employer
Support Services for Learners
TasTAFE provides free, confidential support services for learners. If learners are struggling with personal or academic matters, they are encouraged to contact Student Support Services as early as possible. Support staff can assist directly or connect learners with the appropriate resources.
Fees and Payments
If your child is under 19 years old on January 1st of the year they enrol and has not completed their TCE (Tasmanian Certificate of Education), they may be eligible for a Levy Fee Exemption.
What This Means
- If your child has not completed Year 11, they may get up to 2 years without paying tuition fees.
- If your child has not completed Year 12, they may get 1 year without paying tuition fees.
- The exemption is available for a maximum of 2 years.
When Fees Apply
- If your child doesn’t meet the exemption rules, tuition fees will apply.
- Invoices will be issued to the learner, not the parent or guardian.
- The exemption does not cover administration or other extra fees.
- Your child may alternatively be eligible for concession fee discounts, depending on their situation.
Note: The Levy Fee Exemption does not apply to commercial course fees.
Please make sure your child provides accurate information during enrolment, as this will help determine if they qualify for a fee exemption or discount.
Insurance Information
Learners are not covered for personal accidents while on campus. TasTAFE provides limited cover for learners undertaking unpaid, TasTAFE-approved work placements and official excursions. Parents may wish to consider arranging additional personal insurance coverage if desired
Feedback and Communication
Parents and guardians are welcome to provide feedback, compliments or concerns at any time. This can be submitted via TasTAFE’s feedback channels or by contacting staff directly. Open communication helps ensure the best outcomes for learners.
Need Help?
If you have questions about this guide, the consent process, or your child’s enrolment, please contact us on 1300 655 307 or speak with Student Support Services.
Induction/Orientation and Communication
Before training begins, learners receive important information to help them settle into their course and understand what’s expected in an adult learning environment. All new learners attend a course induction or orientation session, where they are introduced to key staff, class expectations, safety procedures, support services, and the learning tools used at TasTAFE.
As part of this process:
- Learners are supported to log in to TasTAFE systems, access learning and assessment materials, and understand their responsibilities under the Student Code of Conduct.
- Information is shared on how to stay safe, both on campus and online, what to do in an emergency, and who to speak to for support.
- During induction/orientation, staff also reinforce the importance of regular attendance, respectful behaviour, and learner wellbeing.
- We encourage you to speak with your young person about induction/orientation and support them in preparing for the transition to vocational education and training.
