Vocational Education and Training (VET) 

What is VET? 

VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. It introduces students to the world of work, preparing them for employment in specific industries. Through VET, students demonstrate skills, knowledge and attitudes to gain units of competency within a qualification.

At St Mary’s College, VET is available to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Some students complete courses over one or two years, which include on-the-job work placements. These qualifications are nationally recognised and highly regarded in the workplace.

Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) points are awarded for each unit achieved within the VET qualification. St Mary’s College is committed to providing learners with access to a broad range of VET qualifications and will consider partnerships with other training providers to offer qualifications not directly provided by the College.

Meet our students

Belle (Year 12)

Belle has always enjoyed looking after her younger cousins, making childcare an obvious choice for her VET journey. In Year 10, Belle enrolled in Introduction to Community Services with a childcare focus. Last year, she took on the challenge of the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. As part of this qualification, Belle completed a placement at an inner-city early learning centre, where she impressed the staff and was offered regular casual work. This year, Belle is working towards completing her Certificate III while working part-time at the centre.

Freya (Year 12) 

Freya has pursued two VET pathways during her time at SMC, both reflective of her life experiences. Inspired by her dad, Phil, who manages Murphy’s Café, Freya enrolled in Introduction to Hospitality in Year 10. She continued this pathway in Year 11, completing her Certificate II in Cookery. This year, Freya is enrolled in Certificate II in Animal Care at one of our partner colleges, influenced by her life on a small farm. Freya has developed many transferable skills through her VET experiences at SMC.

Hannah (Year 12)

In Year 10, Hannah enrolled in Certificate I in Workplace Skills, learning about the work environment and exploring career pathways through a work placement in a hairdressing salon. This year, Hannah is enrolled in two VET courses. She spends one day a week at TAFE completing a taster course in hairdressing and beauty, and back at school, she is working on her Certificate II in Workplace Skills, further enhancing her employability. As part of this course, Hannah will complete another work placement, this time in the beauty industry, to help her decide on her career path for 2026.

Paige (Year 12)

Paige enrolled in two courses in Year 10: Certificate I in Workplace Skills and Introduction to Community Services with a childcare focus. She gained experience working in junior school classrooms and completed a placement with the Police Association of Tasmania. This year, Paige is completing a School-Based Traineeship in the Aged Care Sector, attending the workplace one day a week and studying the theory components through an external Registered Training Organisation.