MESC Senior School Handbooks

Vocational Education and Training (VET) and School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBAT)

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

 

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the VCE program combines general VCE studies with vocational training and experience in the workplace.  Mount Eliza Secondary College offers senior secondary students programs selected from the range of industry areas approved by the VCAA. 

 

Recognition

All programs are delivered through Registered Training Organisations (RTO). Students are issued with a certificate at either Certificate 1, 2 or 3 level.

 

VCE VET programs are included in the VCE and therefore offer credit at Unit 1–2 and 3–4 levels. Not all VCE VET programs contain a 3–4 sequence for recognition purposes. This information is noted in the description of each program.

 

Some VCE VET programs have access to a Study Score and are equal in all respects to any other VCE program. Programs that have a Study Score component have either a 90 minute written exam or a performance exam at the end of the year.

 

All VET programs with a Unit 3 - 4 sequence contribute towards the ATAR as follows:

  • For programs with Scored Assessment, a Study Score.
  • For programs without Scored Assessment, an increment based on 10% of the 4th primary study score

Employers

VCE VET programs are held in high regard by employers and are supported by Industry Training Boards who work closely with employers to determine the training needs of the industry. Many students who have completed their VET have gained apprenticeships or have proceeded to tertiary studies where they have received credit for the competencies that they have achieved. 

 

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)

SWL is a valuable, strongly recommended element of most VCE VET programs. Placements are usually of one or two week duration and some assistance with placements is provided by Headstart or the Peninsula Vocational Education and Training (PVET) consultants.  Students should be prepared to complete their SWL during some of the school holidays.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE

 

VET programs are delivered on a competency basis. A competency may be delivered in one session.  If students miss a session this can have serious consequences as Certificates can only be awarded where all competencies have been gained. If students miss the delivery of a competency this may have an adverse effect on their ability to pass a Unit in their VCE or VCE VM program.

 

VCE students should be aware that only certain VET subjects are available on a Wednesday afternoon and it is only these that are recommended for VCE students as they impact significantly on studies and timetable. If you are doing VCE and want to do a VET subject please see the Mrs Leanne Paterson, Careers/Pathways &  VET Coordinator regarding the suitability with your timetable.

 

Students must be prepared to make VET a priority, this includes over any sport or other activities that may have an impact on attendance.  To participate in VET programs, students must be 15 years of age prior to 1st February, 2024, some programs requiring 16 years of age.

 

The cost of Vocational Education and Training Courses (VET) offered at Mount Eliza Secondary College is subsidised by the DEECD funds provided to the College for running VET courses; some program costs are covered by Mount Eliza Secondary College. The balance of the cost of enrolling in these courses is the responsibility of parents/guardians.

 

Confirmed programs and their costs were not available at the time of publishing this guide, however the information below can be used as a guide and costs will be confirmed later in the year when all applicants will be sent a letter outlining details and costs of the VET program they have applied for.

 

Programs are optional, and they do involve additional costs: Full payment of VET levies must be made before enrolment is confirmed with the course providers. Late enrolments may be accepted if places are available. Full payment will be required before enrolment is confirmed.

 

 

School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBATs)

A School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBATs) allows you to work as a paid part time trainee or apprentice whilst completing your secondary education at school.  The program offers you a chance to get a head start in the industry you choose whilst completing the last two or three years of your education. In many instances, it means that you attend school for 3 days a week and employment for another day. For further information you must see Mrs Leanne Paterson, Careers/Pathways &  VET Coordinator.

 

SBAT’s  usually satisfy the industry related skills strand - VCE VM students need to be set up in a SBAT befroe commencing VCE VM studies.  VCE students wishing to do an SBAT need to proceed with approval from Senior School and Pathways office – SBAT’s can contribute to VCE as a 10 % increment /block credit. Part time traineeships done outside school hours can also contribute to VCE – students undertaking training in their part time job should bring their training plan to Mrs Leanne Paterson, Careers/Pathways &  VET Coordinator in order for these to be applied to your studies.