VETDSS - EXTERNAL

Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS)

is a program that allows Year 11 and 12 students to gain practical, industry-relevant skills while still completing their high school education. It provides students with a head start in their chosen career pathway by combining school-based learning with hands-on training in a real-world environment.

How Does it Work?

Around July each year, Yr10 and Yr11 students can apply for a VET course of their choice.

After being accepted, Students enrolled in VETDSS programs then attend an external training provider one day per week while continuing their regular school studies.

Training takes place at:

South Metro (SM) TAFE or   

North Metro (NM) TAFE or

a private Registered Training Organisation (RTO) (costs may apply depending on the provider and course)

Some external VET course examples:

• ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
• AHC20416 Certificate II in Horticulture
• CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
• ICT20120 Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies
• 52895WA Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies
• CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media
• SIT30122 Certificate III in Tourism

Benefits of VETDSS

Nationally Recognised Qualifications – Can lead to a Certificate II, III, or higher

Pathway to Apprenticeships or Employment – Increases employability and industry connections

Hands-on Learning – Develops practical skills in real-world environments

Boosts Confidence & Independence – Encourages responsibility and self-management

Challenges & Responsibilities

Missed Schoolwork – Students must catch up on lessons and assignments from their off-site day

Commitment Required – Requires time management, dedication and work-ready skills

Additional Costs – Some private RTOs charge fees for training programs

Limited Course Availability – Placement in popular courses is competitive

Attendance is key - all all VET students will be assessed by observation.

Pupil-free days at TKC - TAFE students must attend TAFE eventhough their peers might be off school.

Some courses require students to find their own workplacement and with this comes the management of Logbook and Skills Journal entry.

VETDSS is ideal for students who are:

Keen to start training in a trade or industry while at school

Interested in gaining a qualification that leads directly to employment or further study

Motivated to balance both school and external study commitments

Commitment Required for a VET Qualification with Work Placement

Completing a VET qualification that includes compulsory work placement hours is a significant commitment. It requires students to be highly organised, responsible, and proactive in managing their training, schoolwork, and workplace documentation.

Maintaining a Logbook – Every hour worked must be recorded accurately - Set reminders or schedule time each week to update your logbook

Workplace Tasks - record in detail what was learned each day

Completing a Skills Journal – Each task performed must be documented to show competency and one Skills Journal must be filled in every 55 hrs worked.

Getting Supervisor Signatures – at the end of the workplacement, or every 55hrs, students must have their logs and their evaluation signed off. 

Meeting Course Requirements – Failing to record or complete required hours can result in an incomplete qualification - this is called 'statement of attainment'

Falling Behind on Schoolwork → Use a planner to balance work placement, study, and deadlines

Completing the Required Compulsory Hours before the end of your VET qualification → Track progress and check in with your VET Coordinator if you’re behind. 

A VET student needs to develop strong time management and self-discipline to stay on top of these responsibilities. A VET qualification with work placement is a fantastic opportunity to gain industry experience, but it requires dedication and organisation. If students take responsibility for managing their time, documentation, and learning, they will set themselves up for success in both studies and future career!

Partial Completion Courses

Students with additional learning needs are encouraged to apply for 'partial completion courses' - please note, students will not obtain a full nationally accredited qualification during the duration of their studies, but a 'Statement of Attainment'. Some example:

• CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways (Partial Completion)
• SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality (Partial Completion)
• CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services (Partial Completion)
• ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Partial Completion)
• TLI20421 Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations (Partial Completion)

and many more.

Application Process:

Once the applications close, TKC will be notified of a list of 1st round offers for successful students and provide an endorsement to the Training Organisation that the College supports the application. (usually in September). This will involve a meeting with The King's College to review the student's timetable and courses, ensure that all parties are agreeable and that there is a plan in place to ensure the student will still achieve their WACE.

Second round offers will be made (roughly around October time)

Once endorsed by The King's College, the student's enrolment will be confirmed by the Registered Training Organisation to commence the following year)