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).

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.

A student is doing a VET course requiring a work placement through another school/or external RTO. Who is responsible for the program of workplace preparation?

The home school, or the school that the student usually attends, is responsible for ensuring that all requirements are met. This includes the completion of forms, program of workplace preparation, risk assessment, monitoring and supervision of the student placement.

VET is an excellent choice of study for many students. It always includes practical, hands-on learning, and it can lead to excellent jobs in many fields.

Studying VET as part of the SACE gives students a head start on a qualification, which is a great way to fast-track progress towards a rewarding career, while also developing independence and time-management skills.

VET courses are highly valued by students, parents and employers. VET courses enable students to combine accredited training with SACE studies and provide applied learning that is practical, work-based and assists students in preparation for their transition to work and/or further study.

Students choose VET courses for a wide range of reasons. Some may want to maximise their ATAR for university entrance; some may wish to gain a head start with their trade training while at school; and others wish to develop skills that are relevant to their personal interests.

Generally students are in Years 10, 11 and 12 and enrolled in SACE through their school. It is advisable to speak to the school directly for further details about their VET program as they can vary between schools.

Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses are taught by qualified teachers/trainers at school or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) such as TAFE SA. Not all schools can offer all VET courses which means students may need to travel to another venue to complete a course. Students and parents are advised to check with the school to make sure that the selected VET course fits in with the student’s SACE plan and school timetable.

VET courses…

• Provide a head start in a career
• Recognition towards a student’s SACE
• Provide opportunities to gain nationally recognised vocational qualifications
• Allow students to gain experience in an industry so they can make informed decisions about their future career path
• Provides experience in the workplace. Work placement is a mandatory component of most VET courses, enabling students to apply their classroom learning and to further develop their skills in a workplace context 
• Learn industry-specific technical skills that lead directly to employment or further study
• Gain employability skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, learning and technology skills.

• Compulsory work placement is required for some VET courses 
• Students may need to provide appropriate clothing and/or footwear for the course studied
• Students may need to travel to another school and/or RTO to complete a course
• VET Courses are competency based courses designed for students who are planning a career in the industry.