Explore VET | SMRVC

Discover your future through VET

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Vocational Education and Training (VET), when delivered to secondary school students is often referred to as (VETDSS or VDSS). VET in schools gives students the opportunity to develop practical, industry-relevant skills while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Through VET, students can explore industries that interest them, experience hands-on learning and develop skills that can support pathways into further study, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment.

IS VET RIGHT FOR ME?

Not sure where to start? Explore your interests, strengths and learning preferences and discover whether VET could be part of your pathway.

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VET combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills to ensure graduates are job-ready in their chosen field.

Providers and Delivery

VET courses are delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), including TAFEs (Technical and Further Education institutes), private providers, community education centres, and some universities.

Courses are nationally recognised, meaning qualifications are consistent across Australia, regulated under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and overseen by bodies such as the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Many courses include work placements or workplace-based learning, ensuring students gain practical experience alongside classroom instruction.

Course Types and Levels

VET offered to secondary school students, (VETDSS) offers a wide range of qualifications, from Certificate I to Certificate III courses, and occasionally Diploma courses.

Courses cover diverse fields such as engineering, commerce, creative industries, and healthcare, building and construction, information technologies, and animal studies.

VET qualifications may also provide credit towards further study pathways.

VET can form part of a student's VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

EXPLORE VET COURSES

Discover Certificate II and III courses available through SMRVC Schools, TAFEs, RTOs and neighbouring providers outside the Cluster.

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Practical Learning. Real Skills. Future Pathways

What is VET?

LEARN IN THE WORKPLACE

Structured Workplace Learning gives students the opportunity to develop skills and experience in a real workplace related to their VET course.

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SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINEESHIPS (SBAT)

Combine school with nationally recognised training and paid employment through an SBAT.

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READY TO APPLY?

Learn how the VET application process works and what you need to do next.

HOW TO APPLY >

Not Sure Which VET Course to Choose?

Choosing a VET course doesn't mean you need to have your whole career planned.

Start by thinking about what you enjoy doing, how you like to learn and the industries or careers you'd like to explore.

Building & Making

Helping People

Health

Animals

Technology

Food & Hospitality

Creative Industries

Sport & Recreation

Outdoors & Environment

EXPLORE ALL COURSES >

Why choose VET?

Learn differently. Learn by doing.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) allows students to combine classroom learning with practical, industry-based training while completing their senior secondary school.

VET is designed for students who enjoy learning through hands-on experiences and want to explore careers before leaving school.

Try a career early

Through VET programs, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn practical skills, and explore real industries before finishing school.

Nationally recognised qualification

Students complete study units and develop industry-relevant skills that contribute towards a nationally recognised VET qualification

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)

Allows students to apply the skills they have learned in training, experience a real workplace, and develop valuable employability skills

Pathways beyond school
VET courses can support pathways into further study, apprenticeships, traineeships, or employment. It may also help students better understand their passions.

Benefits of studying VET?

Work towards a nationally recognised qualification while still at school
Develop practical skills valued by employers
Gain real workplace experience
Build confidence and employability skills
Explore future career options
Contribute towards your senior secondary certificate
Access Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) in many courses

Step 1: Explore and Choose:
Students explore different VET options and choose a course, usually during Year 10, with guidance from their school’s VET or Careers Coordinator.

Step 2: Start Your Training:
Students typically complete their VET course during Years 11–12 at a host school, TAFE or training provider while remaining enrolled at their home school. Some students may commence in Year 10, depending on the school and VET course selected.

Step 3: Ongoing Support:
Throughout the program, students are supported by a dedicated VET Coordinator who helps with course selection, enrolment, workplace learning and any questions along the way.

Step 4: Graduate with a nationally recognised qualification (or
partial completion if not a full completion course).

VET students graduate with skills, confidence and pathways into further education or employment.

How VET works

Pathways beyond secondary school

VET can support pathways into further study, apprenticeships, traineeships, or employment.

VET may also help students better understand their passions.

A VET course is more than just a school subject—it can be the first step towards a rewarding career and a future that's right for you.

Whether you're planning to continue your education, enter the workforce, or explore different industries, VET provides practical skills, valuable experience and nationally recognised qualifications that can open a wide range of opportunities.

Many students use VET as a pathway to further study, including Certificate III and IV qualifications, diplomas, university courses, apprenticeships or traineeships. Others gain the confidence and experience they need to move directly into employment.

One of the greatest benefits of VET is the opportunity to discover what you enjoy. Through hands-on learning and industry experiences, students often develop new interests, build confidence and gain a clearer understanding of the careers that suit their strengths and passions.

Discover Your Passion

Studying a a VET course at school enables you to explore different industries, build confidence and make informed decisions about your future which may be:

Where can VET can take you...

Further Study – Continue your education through TAFE, university or higher-level vocational qualifications

Apprenticeships / Traineeships – Combine paid employment, practical industry experience and vocational training. Work in the industry while completing a nationally recognised qualification, developing the skills and experience needed to complete your apprenticeship or traineeship and become qualified in your chosen field.

Employment – Develop industry-ready skills that employers value and begin your career with confidence.

Explore your interests, build confidence and gain the skills to shape your future.

Success in today's workplace is about more than technical skills.

Through practical learning and industry experiences, VET helps students develop these future-ready and transferable skills while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.