VET stands for Vocational Education and Training and is formal training designed to give students skills for work, particularly in industry and trade professions. VET works through a nationally-accredited training system and is informed by industry innovations and developments.
There are many opportunities for Nazareth students to participate in VET. Nazareth students can access a range of VET courses across a variety of different industry areas. Nazareth works with a number of different training providers so students can pursue their individual pathway and interests.
Each VET course has various entrance criteria, and enrolment is subject to negotiation regarding dates, venue and a range of other factors.
A growing number of VET courses are delivered in our School Based Program at Nazareth through partnership arrangements with registered training organisations (RTOs).
Other VET courses are offered through community-based programs at other schools or through attending TAFE or other training providers such as Western Technical College.
Each VET course has various entrance criteria, and enrolment is subject to negotiation regarding dates, venue and a range of other factors.
Students can commence exploring VET pathways from the middle of Year 10 through a variety of non-accredited Try-A-Trade, work experience and Industry Immersion experiences to gain a taste of what VET courses are like. VET courses and school-based apprenticeships are then usually undertaken in Year 11 or 12. It is important for both students and their parents/caregivers to carefully consider the reasons for undertaking a VET course and the course requirements. While VET is often a valuable part of a young person’s learning at school, it doesn’t always suit every student.
Anyone and everyone! It doesn’t matter what pathways beyond school students want to pursue or even if they are undecided about their first step beyond school – a VET course can be for anyone!
VET qualifications allow students to train in industry-relevant areas whilst still at school, which might help develop skills that are important for future casual or full-time employment.
Students wanting to study at university often develop industry-related skills that will help them to be successful in their future careers. For example, studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care would allow a student to gain critical skills and, eventually, employment related to careers that involve working with children (such as teaching, speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and more).
Students exploring trade careers can undertake training to help them choose a pathway and be best placed to gain an apprenticeship, dual apprenticeship (apprenticeship + university degree) or a traineeship.
VET courses can also help students who are unsure of what they want to do after graduating from Year 12 to refine their ideas about careers, make better-informed decisions and gain transferrable skills that are valued by employers.
A growing number of VET courses are delivered in our School Based Program at Nazareth through partnership arrangements with registered training organisations (RTOs). Other VET courses are offered through community-based programs at other schools or through attending TAFE or other providers such as Western Technical College.
Email [email protected] to ask for VET course information (list the industries you’re interested in!)
Students can also make an appointment with Nazareth’s VET and Careers Counsellor.
Appointments are available before and after school, and during recess and lunch. Students are reminded not to book their appointments during their lesson times.
Successfully completed VET can be recognised towards the SACE, and this supports students to make significant progress towards completing VET qualifications at the same time as completing their SACE. Some completed VET certificates may help for some University or TAFE entry.
If students do not successfully complete their VET course or choose to withdraw, the number of SACE credits that can be achieved will be impacted. In some cases, no SACE credits will be achieved. It is important to speak to the VET Coordinator and SACE Coordinator before withdrawing or stopping attendance at a VET course.
VET qualifications and units towards VET qualifications can count in the SACE. The amount of SACE credits you can earn, and if this counts at Stage 1 or Stage 2 of the SACE, depends on the qualification you are doing. Once you select the VET course you’re interested in, we can examine how this counts in your SACE.
Students can refer to the SACE Board’s VET Recognition Register to see the approximate number of credits available for different qualifications and if this counts towards Stage 1 or Stage 2.
It is important to know that SACE credits are only granted upon successful completion of the VET units undertaken towards the VET qualification. Students who do not attend regularly or do not complete their work placement will jeopardise the completion of their VET program and attainment of SACE credits, and potentially any fees paid.
To complete the SACE, students must achieve at least 200 credits, 150 of which can be gained through VET.
The remaining 50 credits are derived from the following:
It is possible for students to focus their learning in these subjects on their VET context. VET can be undertaken for the remaining 150 credits, as long as at least 60 credits is Stage 2 level. Most VET students will complete their SACE using their VET qualification and a combination of SACE subjects.
Students are likely to be successful at VET if they:
Each VET course is different, but it is important to note that some VET courses may require some theory and regular homework, while others may require significant group work and frequent assessments (both practical and written).
Most VET courses are usually one full day per week. Locations of the courses and the day of training depend upon the training organisation running the course.
Students undertaking VET courses also undertake a range of SACE subjects. Depending on the subjects selected, some students may miss lessons. It is the responsibility of the student to liaise with their teacher and catch up on any learning or assessments required.
VET students often reduce their subject load by one subject, and there is opportunity for flexible timetables to be negotiated with Year Level Coordinators.
It is important to note that some VET courses also require students to undertake Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) or work experience, which is in addition to attending their course.
An increasing number of VET courses are offered onsite at Nazareth campuses through partnerships with registered training organisations.
For VET courses that are offered through Community-Based Programs or other Providers, students will attend offsite and will need to get their own transport to the training venue.
The cost of VET Courses vary due to a number of factors. It is important to confirm details regarding fees, venue and other enrolment details from the VET and Careers Team.
Nazareth’s VET Guidelines and Fee Policy supports students to undertake VET by subsidising 50% of the course tuition fee up to $1500 per year. Materials fees and other additional incidental expenses such as uniform, PPE, makeup kits must be met by families.
If the costs of a course prohibit a student from participating, families are encouraged to contact the College Business Manager to discuss. Should a student withdraw from a VET course, fails to complete the requirements of the course or terminates enrolment at the College, and where the College has already covered course costs, the student will be required to reimburse all costs expended by the College.
Email [email protected] to ask for VET course information (list the industries you’re interested in!)
Students can also make an appointment with Nazareth’s VET and Careers Counsellor.
Appointments are available before and after school, and during recess and lunch. Students are reminded not to book their appointment during their lesson times.
For more information, please contact [email protected]