👷VET Pathways & WPL

VET/Careers Update

It was wonderful to see our Year 12 students at graduation recently. I was so excited to hear about their successes and achievements in the weeks since I had last seen them. Many students have already secured apprenticeships or received and accepted early university offers. We are incredibly proud of you all and look forward to hearing more about your journeys and successes in the years ahead. Congratulations!

TAFE Offers and 2027 Pathways

Students who applied for TAFE courses should have received an email from me advising them of any offers they have received. Competition for TAFE places was particularly high this year, with approximately 6,000 applications received from students across Western Australia. Feedback from TAFE indicated that relevant industry work experience, combined with strong academic results, was a key factor contributing to successful applications.

Over the coming months, we will continue working through the various arrangements to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together. Our aim is to secure as many training, placement and qualification opportunities for our students as possible.

Looking ahead to 2027, we are excited to see students undertaking additional qualifications across a diverse range of industries, including electrical, carpentry, automotive, mechanical, plumbing, autonomous workplace operations, sustainable energy, drafting, fitness, music and visual arts. We are also particularly pleased to see so many students taking up school-based apprenticeships, allowing them to begin their apprenticeship journey while completing their secondary education.

It is fantastic to see our students exploring such a broad range of interests, developing practical skills, gaining industry-recognised qualifications and creating valuable pathways towards their future careers. There are some exciting opportunities ahead!

I&E Excursion

Last week, we were fortunate to be invited to the MACA/Thiess Family Day in Hazelmere. Students had the opportunity to be part of the official launch of the MT4400 cabs and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the workshop. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry professionals, gain insight into the mining and heavy machinery industry and develop a better understanding of the skills, trades and career opportunities available within a large-scale workshop environment.

Workplace Learning

As we enter the final term, our Year 11 General students will have the opportunity to participate in workplace learning (WPL).

WPL provides students with a valuable opportunity to explore different industries, gain practical workplace experience and develop a better understanding of potential career pathways. It allows them to discover their interests, identify their strengths and perhaps uncover a passion or pathway they may not have previously considered.

Year 11 WPL dates – Weeks 6 and 7

Monday, 16 November – Friday, 27 November 2026

Tips for getting an apprenticeship

If you want to work in a building trade, you will need to travel from site to site. Get a driver’s licence.
Have an appropriate email address. Don’t use your school email address if you are about to leave school.
If you change your phone number, let the potential employer know by email and by ringing them.
Dress neatly for interviews in clothes appropriate for the job.
It’s OK to be nervous.
Research the business you want to work for. If you want them to be interested in employing you, you need to show you are interested in working for them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. This will help you with your next application and if another job comes up with this employer. Asking for feedback is hard, but it will help them to remember you and they will know you are keen.

Tips on how to get an apprenticeship or traineeship

South Metropolitan TAFE has put together a four-part guide to help you on your career path.

Explore the guide below:

Lauren Johnson

VET and Workplace Learning Coordinator