Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu Secondary School Alliance  

For course information about the range of courses please go to: https://safssa.eschoolsolutions.com.au

Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu Secondary School Alliance (SAFSSA) is a consortium of schools in the Southern Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island regions, consisting of the following schools who each offer a suite of VET programs, which are delivered as Flexible Industry Pathways (FIPs):

Students can access a  wide range of vocational courses across the region hosted by local schools working with the local community and industry. At the same time, young people will be able to achieve their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) while learning skills and working toward industry-accredited qualifications. They will be better prepared to take on apprenticeships and skilled jobs in areas that have identified skill shortages. SAFSSA students can also do an apprenticeship/traineeship while still at school, spending their weekdays involved in a combination of school, working at a business and skills training at a TAFE or other training provider.

Course Fees

SAFSSA Flexible Industry Pathway courses comply with Industry Training Packages. All of the courses include a financial fee. There is a variation of costs between similar courses due to differences in agreements with Registered Training Organisations and host schools. This may be due to training, assessment or the competencies selected.

Travel Arrangements

If students have chosen to participate in a course at another SAFSSA school, parents/caregivers will be required to arrange transport for their child to the training and work placements.

Selection Guidelines

Selection for entry to regional courses is competitive for some courses and will be based on the following guidelines:

• written personal statement to reflect identified relevant interest and evidence of pathway via previous work experience, voluntary work, industry immersion days/other

• demonstrated capacity for independent learning and commitment to  undertake industry-based work placement

• Identified career pathway.

Flexible Industry Pathways (FIP)

You have the opportunity to enrol in a secondary school vocational program that is approved by the Department for Education which:

• provides credit towards some components of the SACE

• provides credit towards a recognised qualification 

• aims to provide pathways into the following: apprenticeships, traineeships, further education or training and direct employment

• focuses on industry areas where there are skills shortages or emerging industries

• provides practical vocational experiences, including in the workplace, an understanding of pathways in the industry, career development skills and vocational literacy and numeracy skills.

Flexible Industry Pathway courses hosted by        Reynella East College

(All subject to number of applicants and all details are subject to change)

In Year 10 we offer a range of Pre-Voc subjects which students can select as a lead-in to VET courses. The details of these are listed  on the Year 10 page of this website. 

The full range of courses available for Year 11 and 12 students across the Alliance can be found at https://safssa.eschoolsolutions.com.au

Certificate II Automotive Servicing Technology at REC delivered by Motor Traders' Association (MTA) / Length: Full Year

Course Content

This course is open to Year 11 and 12 students. It is a nationally accredited MTA certificate level course which is offered through the Southern Fleurieu Trade School. The course develops knowledge and competencies relating to workplace practice in the automotive industry. Compulsory units include application of safe working practices, identifying environmental regulations and best practice in a workplace or business. Other units of study include servicing operations, tools and equipment, measuring devices and vehicle maintenance.

Additional Details

• Students need to complete structured workplace learning in the automotive industry. 

• This course runs on 1 day/week for a year. Students need to be committed to attending each weekly session.

• Industry visit to MTA headquarters during the year will be required.

• Course cost: $280 (approximately).

• Students require their own long work pants and long-sleeved work shirt plus steel-capped safety boots.

• Evidence of pathway and a written personal statement is required to apply for this course.

• SACE credits: 50 (Stage 2 SACE).

Certificate II Construction Pathways at ATEC (Lonsdale) / Length: Full Year

Course Content

This course is open to Year 11 and 12 students. This is a competency-based program, delivered by ATEC, that will provide a nationally recognised qualification. The program is designed to help students learn about skills in the various areas of the building and construction industry and get practical on-the-job experience in a real workplace environment with industry people. For the past 6 years, part of this program has been held at a southern suburbs house site in partnership with CITB and SA Housing Authority. Students must have reliable transport to get to and from the house site and to attend ATEC at Refinery Road, Lonsdale.

Additional Details

• Training is undertaken both on and off the job and students are expected to participate in all the activities/exercises presented. 

• Students need to complete work placement in the construction industry.

• Students are required to supply their own long work pants plus steel-capped safety boots. 

• Hi-vis shirt and PPE is supplied through the Construction Industry Training Board.

• This course runs on 1 day/week for a year based at ATEC, Refinery Road Lonsdale. 

• Course cost: $200 (approximately). 

• Evidence of pathway and  a written personal statement is required to apply for this course.

• SACE credits: 40 (Stage 1 SACE).

VET Course: Advanced Carpentry Safety Skills Cluster in Semester 1 run by ATEC / Length: Semester

This course is for Year 12 students only and is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in construction industries. Students will develop their knowledge and skills for working in the industry including units of competency training with ATEC as listed below. The course will be delivered at ATEC Refinery Road, Lonsdale (and SA Housing Authority site as required) 1 day/week and will include a combination of theory and practical learning opportunities. Students must be committed to attending all sessions.

Assessment

• theory tasks 

• group collaboration tasks

• practical tasks. 

Units of Competency

• CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights   

• CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding   

• CPCCCM3001 Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres  

• CPCCCA3024 Install lining, panelling and moulding  

• CPCCCA3027 Set up, operate and maintain action powder-actuated power tools. 

Additional Details

• An application for this course is required during subject selection week (Term 3, Week 6 in 2025).

• Language, literacy and numeracy assessment conducted by ATEC in Term 4.

• Prerequisite: completion of Certificate II Construction Pathways. 

• Each student is required to supply their own safety boots, long work pants and long-sleeved hi-vis shirt.

• Course cost: $200 (approximately).

• SACE credits: 20 (Stage 2 SACE).

Certificate II Cookery at Reynella East College run by AIOH / Length: Full Year

Course Content

This course provides training for students in Year 11 or 12 on a pathway to work as a chef or cook in the food industry and may lead to a school-based apprenticeship with CEG. The focus is on food preparation and includes theory modules and kitchen practical sessions in the VET kitchen. You will train in 13 units of competency and get to show off your skills in the VET café. Students need to be committed to completing their weekly theory tasks and practical session in the kitchen.

Additional Details

• Cost: $220 (approximately). 

• Uniform cost: $120.

• Theory work needs to be accessed and completed each session through online learning platform. 

• Work placement (12 shifts) in cookery industry is required.

• Barista training may be offered to students who enrol in this course at an extra nominal cost.

• Evidence of pathway and a written personal statement is required to apply for this course.

• SACE credits: 40 (Stage 1 SACE).

Certificate I Hospitality at Reynella East College (Year 10 only) / Length: Semester

Course Content

This course runs within the Year 10 Pre-Voc Cookery subject and is a great introduction for students who wish to continue to Certificate II in Cookery in Year 11. The focus is on preparation and service of café-style food and coffee and includes theory modules and kitchen practical sessions in the VET kitchen, including the running of a café day towards the end of the course and a 2-day barista training module. 

Additional Details

• Selection is by written statement application.

• Cost: $100.00.

• Barista training and voluntary work at cafe is included as part of this course.

• SACE credits: 10 (Stage 1 SACE).

Customised SACE subjects for Flexible Industry Pathways 

(All subject to number of applicants)

Pathway to Beauty, Makeup and Hairdressing (Stage 2 Integrated Learning) / Length: Full Year

Course Content

This subject is open to Year 11 and 12 students. This course is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the beauty, makeup, hairdressing, retail and fashion industries. Students will learn communication and consultation skills, skin and hair analysis, makeup and hair styling techniques, beauty treatments, event planning, skills for working in a retail environment, selling techniques, how to develop a small business and how to use social media for marketing. The course will be delivered in the REC salon and will feature a combination of theory and practical learning opportunities.

Assessment

School-based assessment: 

• practical inquiry (40%)

• community event (30%).

External assessment:

• personal project (30%).

Additional Details

• Application for this course is required.

• Cost: $100.00 consumables fee.

• SACE credits: 20 (Stage 2 SACE).

Some external FIP courses available to school students

Certificate II Animal Studies run by TAFESA / Length: Semester

Pet carer, groomer, veterinary nurse pathway.

Duration/Times

• 1 day/week for 1 semester 

• 9.15am-4.30pm.

Location

• TAFESA Gilles Plains.

Additional Details

• Evidence of pathway and a written personal statement is required to apply for this course.

• Course cost: $275 (approximately).

• SACE credits: 50 (Stage 1 SACE).

Certificate II Horticulture run by SALC/MINDA Inc / Length: Full Year

Landscaping, greenkeeping, gardening pathway.

Duration/Times

• 1 day/week all year

• 9.00am-3.00pm.

Location

• North Brighton.

Additional Details

• Evidence of pathway and a written personal statement is required to apply for this course.

• Course cost: $250 (approximately).

• SACE credits: 40 (Stage 1 SACE).

Certificate III Individual Support (Disability) run by SALC/MINDA Inc and other training organisations / Length: Full Year

Disability industry pathway.

Duration/Times

• 1 day/week all year

• 9.00am-3.00pm.

Location

• North Brighton.

Additional Details

• Evidence of pathway and a written personal statement is required to apply for this course.

• Compulsory work placement: minimum 120 hours.

• NDIS Worker Check screening required. 

• Course cost: $300 (approximately).

• SACE credits: 90 (Stage 2 SACE).

BEFORE YOU START A FIP COURSE

What to do if you are thinking of applying for a FIP course in 2026

 Research first:

1. WHY do you want to do the course?

2. WHAT is the content of the course and are you capable of the work required?

3. HOW many weeks of work placement are required and are you capable of doing that?

4. HOW will you be prepared to balance course requirements with your school and life commitments?

5. WHERE is the course delivered?

6. HOW much are the fees and any extra costs?

7. HOW does the course fit in with your SACE plan?

8. WHAT is the pathway your course leads to?

Then make an appointment via SEQTA  direqt message to discuss your ideas with Mrs Cathro to find out more.

Then, get your FIP APPLICATION PACK you need to complete. Packs will be available from Week 10 of Term 2 in the Student Pathways office. 

Mrs Cathro is available during, before and after school days as follows: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Evidence of your Pathway

To apply for any FIP course you will need to provide evidence that you are very interested in your chosen career pathway. 

This may include:

• evidence of attending an industry immersion session/come and try day/industry information session or careers expo visit

• having done a Pre-Voc subject in Year 10

• proof of work experience

• documented voluntary work

• documented community involvement 

• previous training (with a record of results)

• a written personal statement .

You will also have to provide a colour photocopy of your ID with a photo. This could be student ID card, driver's licence or passport.

FIP/VET Checklist - this needs to be done BEFORE you upload your Web Preferences form for 2026 subject selection

To apply for a FIP/VET course, you  will also need to have the following:

• Commitment to pay/expression of interest form completed.

• Personal statement and ID submitted by email to dl.1907.vet@schools.sa.edu.au.

• Mobile number and email address and that of your parent who signs your form.

• Unique Student Identifier: 10-digit reference number that creates an online record of your training and qualifications attained in Australia. Go to www.usi.gov.au with personal ID to get your number.

• SACE ID: this is created by the SACE Board for each student. You can get this from school if you do not know it.

• VETRO application submitted including evidence of industry immersion. This is done by Mrs Cathro or Mayley Mabarrack (or Jarrad Heinze/Jenna Johnson for TL students).

• SACE plan completed.

• Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check if doing Early Childhood or Individual Support.

• Flu/COVID vaccination certificates if doing Early Childhood or Individual Support.

• Application forms for training organisation completed before the nominated due date.

After you have applied for a FIP/VET course and before you start your course, you:

• will need to do a Literacy, Language and Numeracy (LLN) test

• may need to attend an information or enrolment session

• need to receive confirmation of being successful in gaining a place in your course from the Registered Training Organisation or host school - usually via email

• need to have all email registrations completed and all paperwork that is required submitted to Mrs Cathro or Mayley Mabarrack.

School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships

What is an Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASBA/ASBT)?

ASBAs allow senior secondary students to combine training and work in an industry area to achieve a nationally recognised vocational qualification that contributes to their final secondary qualification. 

Features of ASBAs are:

• combining attendance and achievement at school and paid work

• a training agreement which links to an industrial award

• attainment of a senior secondary qualification (e.g. SACE) and a vocational education and training qualification

• access to a wide variety of vocations, provided applicable awards have been varied to accommodate part-time hours.

Who is involved in an ASBA?

Student:

• must complete a 1285 Form to start the application process - see Mrs Cathro for this

• must be committed to work and study in order to obtain qualification

• must fulfil all obligations as defined on the Contract of Training.

Employer:

• needs to be flexible with working hours, provide adequate training and supervision, fulfil obligations as defined on the Contract and negotiate Training Plan with RTO upfront.

Registered Training Organisation (RTO) / Negotiated Training Organisation (NTO):

• delivers competency-based training in accordance with the Contract of Training. 

School Principal, VET Leader:

• must endorse the Australian School Based Apprenticeship and make the student aware of all the implications of signing the contract of training.

Parents/Guardians:

• must agree to terms and conditions and co-sign the Contract of Training if the student is less than 18 years old.

For more information about the Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu Secondary School Alliance contact the VET Coordinator at REC, Alanah Cathro, or visit: https://safssa.eschoolsolutions.com.au