In focus: Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational education and training (VET) includes employment-based training such as traineeships, apprenticeships and TAFE study.
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training, and vocation refers to work, employment or job roles.
VET programs are designed to give students an exposure to practical skills and an understanding of what it is like to ‘learn through doing’.
Many young people don’t even consider studying a VET program/TAFE course due to incorrect perceptions or through lack of understanding of the sector.
Did you know that a significant proportion of occupations predicted to have the most jobs growth are in vocational training areas? There are a range of predicted skills shortages occupations which are reflected in the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE Initiative in Priority areas https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe
Some benefits of VET/TAFE courses during or after your secondary schooling include:
- Undertake applied (hands-on and practical) learning
- Gain ‘industry ready’ experience
- Learn about industries and careers
- Obtain a qualification in a relatively short time frame.
- Higher level courses (e.g., Diploma) can provide a direct pathway into university courses with credit
- Can give you the opportunity to trial an industry or career area before you commit to university study
- Can give you a qualification you can use to gain part time work whilst undertaking university study.
VET resources
Your Career VET Page
This section of the Your Career website has a wealth of handy information on VET. https://www.yourcareer.gov.au/skills
VCAA Get VET
Contains a heap of resources relevant to current secondary students exploring the option of including VET within their school program. Pages - Get VET (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
My Future VET Page
Comprehensive site with links to key VET resources, organisations and research. My Future VET Page
AATIS – VET and Apprenticeship Sector Cheat sheet and Podcast
If you haven't already, visit the VET Cheatsheet webpage and watch the recorded podcast as Cass Hoult and Ryan De Vincentis cover all the key terms in the apprenticeship sector and provide a cheatsheet for people wanting to know more about the industry You can download the VET cheatsheet here or Listen Now
Vocational Education and Training Myth Busters Webinar for Parents
A webinar to let parents know more about work-related education and training opportunities in Australia, with the help of an expert panel, to mark National Skills Week 2020. See Vocational Education and Training Myth Busters Webinar for Parents
Also:
Victorian Free TAFE Courses - https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe?Redirect=1
Victorian Skills Gateway website - Victorian Skills Gateway
VET at Marist-Sion
At Marist-Sion College, students can undertake VET via the following avenues:
- At Year 10 as part of the Year 10 Vocational Learning Program
- At Year 11 and 12 as a compulsory aspect of the VCE VM program
- At Year 11 and 12 students can incorporate a VET program as part of their VCE and, in most cases, the VET qualification contributes towards the VCE and the ATAR.
VET is a popular option at Marist-Sion College.
In 2024 students seeking to partake in VET as part of their school program include:
- 81 Year 10 students (52 in 2023)
- 43 Year 11 students (70 in 2023)
- 45 Year 12 students (31 in 2023)
In 2024 some interested Year 9 students will have the opportunity to participate in the Trade Pathways Program (TPP). This non-accredited program involves a term-based commitment and provides an opportunity for students to ‘taste’ one or more of the following vocational areas – carpentry, plumbing, automotive, bricklaying, engineering, electrical, hair and beauty, community care and rural studies. The Expression of Interest Package for TPP is available in Simon under School Links: Student Academic Information.
The staff contact person for:
- Students currently completing or enrolled to complete VET is Mr Carlo Piad.
- General enquiries about vocational pathways is Mrs Elly Martin.
