Vocational Qualifications

What are Vocational Qualifications?

Vocational (VET) courses offer students excellent opportunities to develop real skills for the workplace, as well as pursuing an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. These courses integrate college-based learning and training with structured workplace learning. They have a practical focus and include significant on the job training opportunities where students can apply their classroom learning to authentic workplace situations.

Below is a table outlining the myths and facts of VET (from Skills Tas).

Courses and Certificates available

Students at UC SSC Lake Ginninderra have access* to the following nationally recognised vocational (V) and competency-based (C) courses:


*Please note that these are subject to change and you will need to visit the school's official website for the most up to date information.

  • Automotive

    1. Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation

    2. Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

  • Business

    1. Certificate II in Business

    2. Certificate III in Business (Pathway)

    3. Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology

  • Furnishing/Furniture Making

    1. Certificate I in Furnishing

    2. Certificate II in Furniture Making

  • Hospitality (Service, Kitchen/Catering Operations and Patisserie)

    1. Certificate II in Hospitality

    2. Certificate II in Kitchen Operations

    3. Certificate III in Catering Operations (Pathway)

  • Outdoor Recreation

    1. Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation

    2. Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership (Pathway)

  • Sport and Recreation

    1. Certificate II in Sport and Recreation

  • Tourism and Event Management

    1. Certificate II in Tourism

For further details on certificates available to students from participants in the above courses see https://training.gov.au/

What is a USI? Where can I find mine? Or, how can I get one?

A USI - Unique Student Identifier is your individual education identifier for life. It also creates an online record of your training attainments in Australia.

If you are undertaking either nationally recognised training, or a higher education qualification, you need a USI in order to receive commonwealth financial assistance, as well as to obtain your qualification or statement of attainment.

A USI is for life! You only have to create it once.

Visit the following website to find your USI number, or to create a new one - USI website.

Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBA)

What is an ASBA?

An ASBA is a school-based apprenticeship that opens a lot of new doors for students, is part-time and flexible. Year 11 and Year 12 Students can spend up to two full days per week on-the-job and complete their Year 12 Certificate along with a nationally recognised certificate (usually at Certificate II or Certificate III Level).

The college has access to a wide range of employee networks within the ACT and can assist in the facilitation of Australian School Based Apprenticeships.

ASBAs opportunities

ASBAs are available in the following industries: Animal Studies, Horticulture, Panel Beating, Hospitality, Building & Construction, IT, Business Administration, Library, Multimedia, Electro-Technology, Music, Engineering, Pharmacy, Floristry, Retail, Hairdressing and Sports Administration.

Why ASBAs?

  1. It gives you valuable on the job experience and work contacts.

  2. In many cases it can lead to full-time employment (trainee-ships/apprenticeships after you leave college).

  3. You get credit towards your ACT Year 12 Certificate.

  4. You get paid a national training wage.

For more details on vocational pathways, visit the school's official website or the Careers page on this website.