What is VET?
Vocational Education and Training refers to enhanced senior school studies, which enable a secondary student to combine their VCE or VCAL studies with vocational training.
Features of VET
- It is an accredited vocational education and training program (usually over two years).
- It enables students to complete a nationally recognised vocational qualification (e.g. Certificate II in Hospitality) and a senior secondary certificate such as VCE and/or VCAL at the same time.
- It allows students to go directly into employment or receive credit towards further study.
- It focuses on students developing industry specific and workplace skills.
- It is a vocationally oriented school program designed to meet the needs of industry.
How does VET work
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are responsible for the delivery, assessment and certification of VET qualifications. An RTO may be a student’s school, TAFE, private organisation or an ACE provider.
Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)
This involves an employer accepting a student on a one day a week or one or two week block basis. Structured Workplace Learning is an essential part of VET and is highly recommended. It enables the student to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge in an industry setting.
During the work placement, a student will undertake specific tasks in order to demonstrate competence. They will be regularly monitored and may be assessed on the job.
Contribution to VCE
VET may contribute to VCE. Some VET programs have a Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) recognised Unit 1-4 structure. Partial or full completion of other programs may contribute via Block Credit to the completion of VCE.
- Scored VCE VET program can contribute to the Primary Four in the ATAR or as a 5th or 6th subject. A student’s Primary Four subjects may be made up of English, with all other sequences derived from scored VCE VET programs. Non scored VCE VET programs usually provide credit at Units 1-4. Unscored increments will instead be calculated using 10% of the lowest study score of the Primary Four.
- VE3 Block Credit recognition can be used towards satisfactory completion of the VCE but can only be used in calculation of an ATAR if there are fewer than 6 VCE or VCE VET available. If there are 6 or more VCE or VCE VET studies available, a Unit 3 and 4 sequence through VE3 block credit result cannot be used towards an ATAR.
Contribution to VCAL
VET contributes to the Industry Specific Skills Strand and/or Work Related Skills Strand.
VET increases students’ pathways
- Broadens options
- Develops students’ capacities to make decisions and solve problems
- Helps students to gain confidence and improve communication and interpersonal skills through learning in an adult setting
- Fosters positive feedback by enabling students to demonstrate specific skills and competencies
- Matches students’ interests and career directions through the provision of strong pathways
VET gives national qualifications and skills
- Upon successful completion of the program, students may be awarded with a nationally recognised VET certificate, or contribution toward this certificate
- VET qualifications may articulate directly into further education and training at TAFE through documented pathway agreements
- VET provides access to a range of different technologies related to the type and place of work
VET prepares students for the workforce
- Provides the opportunity to trial a career and helps students explore possible areas of interest which promote further study and work choices
- Allows students to develop strong links with industry and local community employers whereby students may be offered part time/ casual work
- Improves employment prospects
- Helps students gain knowledge of employers’ expectations and real working conditions
- Assists in transition from school to work
Language, literacy and numeracy support
- Students requiring additional assistance to achieve successful outcomes in their VET programs need to indicate this on the VET application form.
- Arrangements will be made between the Home and Host Schools regarding the level of support required. Any formal assessment will be undertaken by the Home School prior to the completion of the VET application form.
VET programs
The list of current NMVC VET programs can be viewed on the VET Programs page.
The 2021 VET Taster Guide can be downloaded here. Book a taster to try out a VET course you’re interested in.
The 2021 VET Handbook can be downloaded or viewed online via the Resources page.
Read our Case Studies to discover some students’ experiences.
VCAA
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is an independent statutory body responsible to the Victorian Minister for Education. It serves both government and non-government schools.
The mission of the VCAA is to provide high quality curriculum, assessment and reporting that enables lifelong learning for every student.
Learn more about VET and watch some videos by visiting the VCAA student information website.
Good Practice in VET: Preparing Secondary Students for Work
The Northern College of the Arts & Technology (NCAT) is a member of the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster of schools. Over 400 students from Government, Catholic and Independent schools in the cluster come to the college one day per week to access specialist programs and qualifications. Students from the college also access programs in some of the other schools. The Cluster enables the provision of a wide range of VET programs to students at NCAT and across the region. This Education Services Australia case study and the video below showcase NCAT’s commitment to good practice in VET.