Trades

A laughing student stands next to the VU blue branded diamond.
Get a trade skill under your belt. We offer a range of practical courses in building and construction, hospitality, beauty, plumbing and more to get you started in a sector with real job openings.
Image Modern, high-tech workshops
Modern, high-tech workshops
Image Hands-on learning
Hands-on learning
Image #1 for employability
#1 for employability
Image Award-winning learning model
Award-winning learning model
Image Industry connected
Industry connected
Our rankings & awards

Courses in Trades

Bachelor of Building Design
NBBD | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Building Surveying
NBBS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
NHCM | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering)
NHEA | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
NHEE | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
NHEM | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Architectural Design
NUAD | Undergraduate Certificate | Duration: 0.5 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Building Construction Management
NUBC | Undergraduate Certificate | Duration: 0.5 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Engineering Fundamentals
NUEF | Undergraduate Certificate | Duration: 0.5 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Laser Safety
HULS | Undergraduate Certificate | Duration: 0.5 years

Focus your interest

Beauty therapy

Building & construction

Built environment

Carpentry

Hairdressing

Make-up

Massage

Surveying

Tourism, hospitality & events

Trades reconstructed at VU

large, modern warehouse-style space with people in trade uniform, doing carpentry work
Multimillion-dollar facilities

Our multimillion-dollar trade training centre has a 6-star green rating and is home to the Victoria University Polytechnic construction program.

students in chef uniform in a sophisticate kitchen place intricate cakes on platters
Free TAFE

If you're eligible, you won't pay course tuition fees for select Victoria University Polytechnic courses.

a young, hip, male hairdresser; young woman holding a drill; young man in workers uniform holding welding mask
Victoria University Polytechnic

All our trades courses in carpentry, plumbing, electrical and more are delivered in high-tech facilities by Victoria University Polytechnic, our TAFE division.

Female carpentry student using tools in to build a cabinet
Women in trades

There’s never been a better time to be a woman in trades. At VU Polytechnic, you’ll fit right in with our diverse students and staff.

Modern salon with large screen and hairdressing chairs
Specialist training salon

Aura at VU is a new, purpose-built salon in the heart of the city. If you study hair, barbering or beauty services, you'll get professional experience here, under the supervision of your teachers.

Robots and computers in a brightly coloured workshop room with students
VU Polytechnic learning model

Our courses are offered in a number of ways, including in our award-winning interactive e-learning model, and practical hands-on classes.

VU Stories

Darren Barnes.
Winning at welding
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade MEM30305
"During my time with VU I gained the opportunity to enter the WorldSkills Australia competition twice, and competed in the welding category. In 2014 I finished 10th in Australia and in 2016 I finished 3rd in Australia."
Read Darren's story
Bryce Williamson.
Prize-winning plumber
Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32413, Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services CPC40912
"The resources at VU are excellent and I’ve received so much help from the staff - it’s a great place to study. "
The resources at VU are excellent and I’ve received so much help from the staff - it’s a great place to study.
Bryce's story
Ellie Mcevoy.
How Ellie's making it in the film industry
Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51015 (Specialist Make-up Services specialisation)
"As a result of my placement I got a job working on the Oscar Nominated Film, Lion, and consistent employment in the TV and Film industry ever since."
As a result of my placement I got a job working on the Oscar Nominated Film, Lion, and consistent employment in the TV and Film industry ever since.
Ellie's story
Jacinta Sapwell with VUP teacher.
Jacinta's interest in electronics helped forge a career
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30811
"The best thing about VU Polytechnic is the quality of teaching. The teachers are all very happy to help you out and enjoy sharing their knowledge."
The best thing about VU Polytechnic is the quality of teaching. The teachers are all very happy to help you out and enjoy sharing their knowledge.
Jacinta's story

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