👷VET Pathways & WPL

VET/WPL NEWS

I’m really looking forward to seeing our Year 12s at Valedictory Dinner tonight and hearing all about their recent successes! It’s been fantastic to see so many already securing apprenticeships or receiving early university offers. Although it’s been a quieter year for advertised apprenticeship opportunities, it’s clear that Workplace Learning continues to be one of the best ways for students to get their foot in the door and secure positions.

We’re incredibly proud of every one of you and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next year!

For those who applied for VET in Schools TAFE programs for 2026, you should hear about your offers by the end of this month. There were over 6,000 applications across WA this year! TAFE has advised that students with strong work experience in their chosen industry and solid grades were most successful. If you don’t receive an offer in the first round, don’t worry — there may be second, third, or even fourth-round offers into the new year. I’ll keep you updated as these come through.

Looking ahead to 2026, we already have students set to complete additional qualifications in a wide range of areas including Electrical, Carpentry, Screen and Media (Film & TV), Automotive, Nursing, Education Support, Civil Construction/Resource and Infrastructure Work Preparation, Autonomous Workplace Operations, Retail, Cookery and Marine Biology — and the list is continuing to grow!

WORKPLACE LEARNING

As we head into the final term, our Year 11 General students are preparing for their Workplace Learning placements. I’ve received only a small number of WPL forms so far — these are due today, so please make sure they’re submitted as soon as possible.

Workplace Learning is an excellent opportunity for students to explore different industries, discover their interests, and potentially secure an apprenticeship or employment pathway for the following year.

Workplace Learning Dates:

Year 11: Weeks 6 & 7 – Monday 17 to Friday 28 November
Year 10 (I&E): Weeks 7 & 8 – Monday 24 November to Thursday 4 December

TIPS FOR GETTING AN APPPRENTICESHIP

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 put 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 in 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.

How to get an apprenticeship or traineeship: South Metro TAFE has put together a four-part guide to help you on your career path. You can find:

Mrs Johnson & Mrs Paduano