What is VET?
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are considered a subject and can be undertaken alongside/or as part of a student’s Year 10, Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)
What are the benefits of VET?
VET provides senior students with the opportunity to gain:
- A nationally recognised VET (full or partial) qualification – usually at a Certificate II or Certificate III Level
- Contribution towards VCE or VCE VM
- Technical and employability skills
- Specialised and industry knowledge
- Employment opportunities and
- Flexible education pathways
How does VET work?
VET courses are in most cases undertaken over a two year duration. VET is included in student timetables, but may require attendance after standard school hours or during nominated term breaks. The course may be offered on site at St Joseph’s College, Sacred Heart College, at another Secondary College or at an external Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or TAFE (please refer to the VET table).
Students work through Units of Competency (UOC) and are marked as “competent” or “not yet competent” by their Teacher/Trainer. To be assessed as competent, a student must show a consistent application of skills and knowledge to the standard required in the workplace (in both theory and practical based tasks).
It is an expectation that in order to achieve competency, students demonstrate
-A high level of dedication and consistency throughout the year
-Consistent attendance
-Strong work ethic and positive working attitude towards all tasks
-Completion of all theory and practical assessment tasks within the due dates as set by the Teacher
Entry Requirements
Students wishing to study a VET course will need to complete the relevant application form (in addition to completing subject selections). To be considered for a VET course, students are expected to have sound skills in the areas of learning, reading, writing, oral communication and literacy. Students also need to demonstrate a mature approach and commitment to their studies and learning.
It is important to note that Training Providers may prioritise positions based on applicant year level. Students are encouraged to consider and prepare alternate subject or VET preferences.
Fees
Additional fees are applicable to VET courses (each year of study). Fees provided in this guide are indicative only and subject to change.
There may also be additional costs for Uniform, Personal Protective Equipment or Tools retained by the student.
How does VET contribute to VCE and VCE VM studies?
VET qualifications can contribute towards both the VCE and VCE VM.
Students can undertake VET within their senior secondary certificate by undertaking a VET qualification or undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (for additional information regarding SBATs, please refer to SBATs page).
Contribution towards VCE VM:
VET is a mandatory component of the VCE VM and contributes to the VCE VM through meeting the requirements of the Industry specific skills and work related strands. All VET qualifications provide credit towards VCE VM.
Contribution towards VCE:
VET qualifications can contribute to the VCE in two ways.
- Direct contribution (Scored Assessed):The VET qualification has been approved by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) and is delivered by their guidelines – in the same way as a VCE subject. VET qualifications that provide a direct contribution have a units 3 and 4 sequence that give you a study score. This is achieved through school- assessed coursework (SAC’s) and an externally set exam. Scored VET qualifications that provide a study score can contribute directly to your ATAR, either as one of your primary four studies or as a fifth or sixth increment. These courses are identified throughout the handbook.
- Unscored or Block credit recognition: The VET qualification doesn’t contain school-assessed coursework or an exam. Students who successfully receive a Units 3 and 4 sequence through an unscored or block credit recognition course may be eligible for a fifth or sixth study increment (10% of your fourth study in the primary four scaled studies) towards your ATAR.
Attendance
As the VET delivery schedule is limited (most commonly one session per week), students undertaking VET will need to maintain a minimum 80% attendance record to ensure they have the best opportunity to successfully complete all requirements for their respective course.
In regards to attendance, we ask that students and families be aware of the following
- Multiple absences will impact a student’s ability to achieve the course requirements.
- Students are expected to arrive punctually to class (in the correct uniform) and remain for the full duration of the class.
- Where a student requires an early departure from VET or is going to be absent from VET, a Parent/Guardian must notify the VET Coordinator ([email protected]) who will advise the relevant training provider.
- Where an absence is due to illness or an urgent medical appointment, students are required to provide a copy of a medical certificate or statutory declaration so this can be passed onto the training provider.
- Please avoid scheduling non-urgent appointments that will impact VET classes.
If students have external commitments such as employment or sport, please consider if you will be able to meet the requirements of and prioritise VET.
Travel to and from VET
Where possible, transport is provided to take students to external VET providers (in the Geelong region) but it is the responsibility of students and families to make arrangements home at the completion of class (PM).
VET Transport arrangements will be communicated to successful applicants late term 4 / early term 1. Transport will be provided by McHarry’s bus lines and students do not need to provide a myki card.
Important Notes
- VET Courses are subject to minimum and maximum student applications and therefore places and course commencement cannot be guaranteed. Where minimum class numbers are not attained and a course does not commence, students may be able to apply at an alternate training provider offering the course.
- Students undertaking a VET course must obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- All VET courses require students to undertake a Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment to determine suitability for the course.
- Some VET course have mandatory Structured Workplace Learning (SWL). This may be undertaken during terms or term breaks in consultation with the VET Coordinator.