What is VET?
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. VET is nationally recognized industry training within the Australian Qualifications Framework. VET enables students to acquire skills, knowledge and training for work through a nationally recognised industry-developed training package or accredited course. VET is assessed and certified by Registered Training Organisations (RTO).
Undertaking VET may benefit students' exploration of a variety of career pathways. It is not just reserved for a pathway within the trades, such as plumbing, hairdressing, or construction. Students can complete VET qualifications in a diverse range of industries, including screen and media, veterinary nursing, aged care, early childhood education or electrotechnology.
VET courses usually run during school terms,either during or after school. Very few courses have prerequisites, but all require regular attendance and the completion of set work to a satisfactory standard. Some courses also require the completion of work placement.
Why study VET?
VET can be an excellent option for many students. It usually includes practical, hands-on learning, and can lead to further training pathways and employment opportunities in many industry areas. Undertaking VET as part of the SACE gives students a head start on a qualification, apprenticeship or traineeship. It is a great way to fast-track progress towards a rewarding career, while also developing independence, time-management and other employability skills and capabilities.
Students undertaking VET courses can -
- Personalise their learning pathways.
- Develop industry specific skills, often including on-the-job structured workplace learning.
- Get a head start on a career and be more 'apprenticeship ready'.
- Work to attain a nationally accredited certificate against the Australian Qualification Training Framework.
- Achieve their SACE through diverse learning experiences.
- Use their VET to contribute to an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) or TAFE SA entry, in the case of full completion of most Certificate III and higher-level courses.
VET as part of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
As part of their SACE, students can complete VET that is within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The SACE Board's recognition arrangements enable students to build meaningful pathways in the SACE through VET.
The arrangements for VET in the SACE include recognition of -
- completed qualifications.
- partly completed qualifications, for which a student has completed one or more units of competency.
The SACE Board recognises VET that -
- is listed on the training.gov.au website.
- is delivered and assessed by, or under the auspices of, registered training organisations (RTOs), which are registered to deliver and/or assess the VET qualification.
- is delivered and assessed in accordance with the VET Quality Framework.
- can be certified on a transcript, statement of attainment, or qualification issued by an RTO.
The SACE enables students to include a significant amount of VET in their SACE studies. Students can gain recognition for up to 150 SACE credits at Stage 1 and/or Stage 2 for successfully completed VET. Certificate I or II level training generally attract Stage 1 credits. Certificate III level or higher training usually attract Stage 2 credits.
The VET Recognition Register is a tool that supports students to plan their pathways in the SACE. You can find the SACE weblink on the "Useful Links' page on this website.
How much will a VET course cost?
The cost of a course varies and can be found in the course descriptors on this website. The cost includes training and any associated consumables. Contact the VET Leader at your school to discuss any funding arrangements specific to your school.