VET

Vocational Education and Training

What is VET?

Vocational Education and Training (VET) enables students to acquire skills and knowledge for work through a nationally recognised industry-developed training package or accredited course. VET is delivered, assessed, and certified by registered training organisations (RTOs). A common RTO for VET courses is TAFE (Technical And Further Education), however it is not the only RTO schools can access. The RTO space is quite competitive, therefore the VET coordinator will select the appropriate RTO for the school, students and course.

Undertaking VET may benefit students' exploration of a variety of career pathways; it is not just reserved for a pathway within the trades (e.g. plumbing, automotive, and construction). Students can complete VET qualifications in a diverse range of industries, including business administration, veterinary nursing, aged care, or sport and recreation.

VET in SACE

VET courses can also count towards your child’s SACE at both Stage 1 and Stage 2. This means they can be working towards, or may even have gained, a VET qualification by the time they finish the SACE – giving them a head start on their career and employment. After completing their SACE your child can continue with their chosen pathway or start a new one, choosing from a wide range of industry areas, including construction, automotive, electro technology, hospitality, community services, health and information technology.

The SACE planner.pdf

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Some common VET courses and their associated SACE credits

Agriculture - 100 Stage 2 Credits
Automotive - 60 Stage 2 Credits - Leads to an apprenticeship in all automotive fields.
Beauty Services - 80 Stage 2 Credits
Business Services - 60 Stage 2 Credits
Dance - 50 Stage 1 Credits
Doorways to Construction - 45 Stage 1 Credits - Leads to an apprenticeship in building trades.
Early Childhood - 120 Stage 2 Credits
Education Support - 100 Stage 2 Credits

Electrotechnology - 50 Stage 1 Credits - Leads to an apprenticeship as an electrician.
Engineering - 50 Stage 1 Credits - Leads to an apprenticeship in engineering.
Fitness - 100 Stage 2 Credits
Individual Support - 80 Stage 2 Credits
Information Technology - 100 Stage 2 Credits
Plumbing - 70 Stage 1 Credits - Leads to an apprenticeship as a plumber
Salon Assistant - 45 Stage 1 Credit - Leads to an apprenticeship as a hair dresser.

VET can count towards tertiary entrance for university and TAFE.

The three South Australian universities, TAFE SA, and Charles Darwin University (Northern Territory) have determined that Recognised Studies may contribute to an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).

For completed VET qualifications to count as Recognised Studies, they must be:

Certificate III level (or higher) in the AQF (Australian Quality Framework)
recognised in the SACE at Stage 2 for at least 10 credits.

Recognised Studies, including VET, can only count to a maximum of 20 credits in an ATAR. Students also need to satisfy all other university entrance criteria. The scaled score contribution of a completed VET qualification will be the average scaled scores of the first 70 credits of TAS used in the calculation of the university aggregate.

An example of how VET can work for everyone

Career Pathway to Teaching

A student that may wish to be a teacher can study a VET Certificate III in Education Support over Years 11 and 12. This qualification will not only give them an idea about the career of teaching, it can also contribute to their ATAR and offer part time employment opportunities as an Student Support Officer in a school whilst studying a Bachelor of Education at university.

Career Pathway to Hair Dressing

A student who may wish to be a hair dresser can study a VET Certificate II in Salon Assistance. This qualification can be studied in Year 11, and providing the student has completed the compulsory components of their SACE, they can look for and obtain a full time apprenticeship in Hair Dressing instead of attending Year 12 at school. The study that is completed for their apprenticeship can go towards their SACE for full completion.

Career Pathway to Plumbing

A student who may wish to be a plumber can study a VET Certificate II in Plumbing. This qualification can be studied in Year 11, and providing the student has completed the compulsory components of their SACE, they can look for and obtain a full time apprenticeship in Plumbing instead of attending Year 12 at school. The study that is completed for their apprenticeship can go towards their SACE for full completion.

Career Pathway in Early Childhood

A student who may wish to work in childcare can study a VET Certificate III in Early Childhood Education in Years 11 and 12. This qualification will not only give them an idea about a career in childcare, it can also give them immediate employment opportunities in a child care facility, contribute to an ATAR and provide credits towards the Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

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