Vocational Education & Training Courses (VET)

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING COURSES (VET)

What is VET?

VET courses provide authentic, applied learning that is practical and work-based and helps students prepare for their transition to post-school work and further study. These courses give dual accreditation for the HSC as well as Nationally Recognised Training Qualifications recognised throughout Australia.

Choosing to study a VET course and working towards a qualification while still at school can enable you to acquire workplace skills in a number of careers and industries like trades, office work, retail, hospitality and technology. It is important to note that work placement is a mandatory component of VET courses. This enables you to apply your classroom learning and further develop your skills in a workplace context.

Do VET Courses count for the HSC?

All VET courses give credit for the HSC, additionally many VET courses offer a HSC examination and one (1) VET course can contribute to your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) score that can count towards university entrance in all degrees.

What can I gain by doing a VET Course?

• nationally recognised qualifications, at a Certificate I, Certificate II or Certificate III level

• credit towards the Higher School Certificate • experience in the workplace

• industry - specific technical skills that lead directly to employment or further study

• employability/foundation skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management and learning and technology skills.

VET Course Expectations

1. As with other areas of study, you are expected to work hard to develop and achieve the knowledge and skills of the course.

2. The focus of VET Courses is on working in industry, so your behaviour must be reliable and responsible both at school and in the workplace. 3. You must dress according to your course requirements and observe all Workplace Health and Safety aspects of your course.

4. To attend work placement mandatory hours (70) during your course.

Courses VET courses offered in the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong are available in a variety of industries such as:

• Hospitality (Kitchen Operations)

• Active Volunteering

• Construction

• Business Services

• Fitness

VET courses may be studied within your school (with the CEO as your RTO), at another school, TAFE or through a private provider such as a Business College.

Further information and a summary of EVET courses offered at TAFE institutes is available from the VET Coordinator. More information on the actual content and vocational outcomes of all the VET courses offered can be found in this Subject Selection Handbook.

It is also possible for students to complete part-time traineeships or School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) while at school. These involve the study of relevant VET courses and paid part-time work in the industry. If you would like more information about these, speak to the Careers Advisor or VET Coordinator.

How will I be assessed in my VET course?

All VET courses are competency-based courses. This means your assessment is based on your ability to demonstrate course competencies. Your performance is assessed against performance criteria for each element of competency in the course. You will be assessed as either competent or not yet competent. If you are judged as not yet competent then you should be given other opportunities to demonstrate competence. Your teacher will give you feedback regarding all assessments.

For some VET Courses you may be required to wear a uniform or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for part or all of your classes. Your teacher will be able to give more information about uniform and safety equipment for your particular VET Course. VET courses attract fees, in addition to your normal school fees.