What is VET?
Practical Learning. Real Skills. Future Pathways
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.
VET can form part of a student's VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).
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.
EXPLORE VET COURSES
Discover Certificate II and III courses available through SMRVC Schools, TAFEs, RTOs and neighbouring providers outside the Cluster.
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.
SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINEESHIPS (SBAT)
Combine school with nationally recognised training and paid employment through an SBAT.
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?
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Work towards a nationally recognised qualification while still at school
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Develop practical skills valued by employers
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Gain real workplace experience
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Build confidence and employability skills
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Explore future career options
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Contribute towards your senior secondary certificate
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Access Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) in many courses
How VET works
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.
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
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.
Your pathway is unique.
Wherever you want to go, VET can help you build the skills, experience and confidence to get there.
Employers are looking for people who can:
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Communicate effectively
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Work collaboratively
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Solve problems
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Adapt to new challenges.
Future Ready Skills
EMPLOYERS VALUE:
COMMUNICATION: Effectively able to share ideas and listen to others
TEAMWORK: work collaboratively and support others
PROBLEM SOLVING: Think critically and find solutions
INITIATIVE: Take action and show willingness to learn
RELIABILITY: Be dependable, responsible and follow through on tasks
ADAPTABILITY: Be flexible and adjust to new challenges and changes
ORGANISATION: Plan ahead, manage time and stay organised.
Still have questions about VET?
Your school’s Careers Team or VET Coordinator is your first point of contact for advice on:
They can help guide you through the process and support your career pathway.
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Is VET right for you
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Which VET course is best for you
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VET applications
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Structured work placements
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Apprenticeships and traineeships
