Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs come from the VET sector, where they are taught by TAFE Institutes and other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).  

All nationally recognised VET training will provide you with skills and knowledge related to a specific industry. The certificates that you obtain are industry qualifications and many of them provide pre-apprenticeship training.  By including a VET subject, you will receive both your VCE and a nationally recognised industry qualification.

As well as preparing students for the workforce, VET programs can lead to further study, either in the VET sector (where students can gain credit for their VET certificate) or university, since results from some VET programs can be included in the calculation of an ATAR score. Of course, it is also possible for students to leave school and complete VET qualifications either full time or in combination with employment.

When you enrol in a VET subject, it is a requirement that you apply for and obtain a USI (Unique Student Identifier).  This is a reference number that creates an online record of your training and qualifications attained in Australia.  You must have a USI to be eligible to receive your qualification or statement of attainment.  You can obtain a USI online.  If you have already received a USI, there is no need to reapply.  Your USI number must be provided to Catherine McAuley College at the time of enrolment.   

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) and the USI requirements of Catherine McAuley College training programs reflect the LLN skills and aligned National Training Packages and reflect the certificate level that the training is at.  Certificate II level training is at the level of VCAA Units 1 and 2, Certificate III level training is at VCAA Units 3 and 4.  

Any student that selects a VET subject that occurs offsite is responsible for catching up on any coursework from their timetabled subjects that they miss while attending their VET subject.  The work can be completed during their allocated study periods.  It is recommended that students make regular catch ups with their subject teachers to make sure that they aren't falling behind.

Offsite Programs:

• Agriculture - CMCB Trade Training Centre Coolock

• Animal Care - CMCB Trade Training Centre Coolock

• Automotive Studies - BSSC Park Road Trade Training Centre or Bendigo TAFE Charlston Road Campus (Full Day)

• Beauty Services - Bendigo TAFE City Campus

• Building & Construction - BSSC Park Road Trade Training Centre or Bendigo TAFE Charlston Road Campus (Full Day)

• Early Childhood Education and Care - Bendigo TAFE City Campus (Full Day)

• Engineering - BSSC Park Road Trade Training Centre

• Electrotechnology - Bendigo TAFE Charlston Road Campus (Full Day)

• Community Service - BSSC Park Road Trade Training Centre

• You want to keep your pathway options open after you have completed your Year 12

• Enjoy the opportunity to combine knowledge and practical based training

• If you are interested in obtaining an apprenticeship or traineeship after you leave school

• If you would like to gain an industry qualification, as well as your VCE