VET qualifications are state or nationally recognised vocational (work) certificates. A VET course provides specialised industry training that focuses on practical skills and knowledge for a specific career. VET qualifications are designed with industry professionals to ensure training meets current job demands and are approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Each VET qualification is broken down into ‘Units of Competency’ (UoC). UoC are a set of skills that students will learn as they complete their qualification. They are like the ‘building blocks’ towards obtaining the qualification.

Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students (VETDSS or VDSS) is a program that allows senior secondary students to study a VET qualification while still attending school. These qualifications are designed to count toward the student’s chosen senior secondary pathway, such as the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM), or the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC). The program is available to students in Years 10, 11 and 12, and enrolment must be approved by the student’s school.

The SMRVC is a collaborative partnership between local secondary schools, LLENs, TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), and industry partners. The Cluster aims to provide VET opportunities to secondary students across the region, supporting career pathways and the development of practical skills. Click here for Member Schools in the SMRVC.

Students who successfully complete two years of a VET course typically receive a nationally recognised qualification at Certificate II or III level. Some courses have more extensive content and cannot be fully completed within two years. In these cases, students finish with a partial qualification, which can be completed later through further study. All students will receive a Statement of Attainment for all successfully completed Units of Competency, whether the course is fully or partially completed. This Statement may provide a pathway into further education, training, or a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship.

Many VET courses provide credit toward the VCE or VCE VM, and some also offer scored assessments that contribute to the ATAR. Because this can vary between courses, students should speak with their school’s VET Coordinator or careers team for specific advice.

Fees vary from school to school. Students should check with their school’s VET Coordinator for details on course costs. Government schools: VET course costs are currently subsidised by the Department of Education and government schools through the Victorian Training Guarantee. Students may still need to pay for materials, uniforms, or books depending on the course. Indicative costs are included with course information, but fees may change without notice. Catholic and Independent schools: Students will be advised of any costs by their school during the course selection process. If fees are a barrier, students should speak with their school’s VET Coordinator.

VET courses provide hands-on skills, workplace experience, and nationally recognised qualifications. These can lead directly into employment, further training, apprenticeships, or higher education. For more information, refer to the VCAA VCE VET resources.

Students should speak with their school’s career practitioner to ensure VET is a suitable pathway. Some key benefits include: • Practical skills: Hands-on experience directly related to real jobs. • Early career start: Begin building a career pathway while still at school. • Industry connections: Opportunities to meet industry professionals and potential employers. • Increased employability: Nationally recognised qualifications that strengthen job prospects. • Flexible learning: Training tailored to interests and career goals. • Pathway to further education: A strong foundation for future study or training.

Workloads vary depending on the course. VET programs include significant hands-on learning, but also theory-based training. Some courses may require higher levels of literacy and numeracy. Students are encouraged to discuss their options with their career practitioner and family before enrolling. If a student is eligible for education support at school, support will also be organised for their VET classes.

Transport arrangements are generally the responsibility of students and families. In some cases, free bus transport may be available through Department of Education funding managed by the statewide LLEN network. Students should speak with their VET Coordinator to check eligibility. If bus transport is available, students will be asked about it during the application process and given route details before their course begins.

Students must express their interest through their school’s VET Coordinator, who will provide the necessary documentation. Click here to find your school’s VET Coordinator.

Some courses have prerequisites or recommended skills, such as literacy, numeracy, or workplace readiness. These will be discussed during the enrolment process with the student and the school’s VET Coordinator.

Enrolments for the following school year typically open in Term 3. Information will be shared through the school’s careers team and senior school staff.

The Cluster and member schools offer a wide range of VCE VET programs across industries such as Health, Hospitality, Construction, Engineering, Business, and Community Services. These programs consist of VET qualifications approved by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to contribute to the VCE, VCE VM, or VPC. VCE VET programs are grouped into 14 industry areas, including six priority industry areas. Students can refer to Priority VCE VET programs for more information. Not all VET courses run through SMRVC due to factors such as timetabling or teacher availability. Students should speak with their VET Coordinator to learn all available options.

Students from all government, Catholic, and independent member schools in the Cluster can access SMRVC-delivered VET programs (subject to availability, school processes, and eligibility). Students from outside the Cluster may also apply. They should speak with their VET Coordinator, who will contact the SMR VET Cluster Coordinator or the host school.

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) allows students to complete work placement with an employer to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they’ve learned in their VET course. Students complete specific tasks and may be assessed during the placement. SWL is organised through the student’s home school VET Coordinator.

SBATs allow students to begin an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. Students combine part-time employment and training with their senior secondary studies, contributing to their VCE, VCE VM, or VPC. Students interested in SBATs should seek help from their school: • Independent & Catholic schools: Speak with the Careers Practitioner. • Government schools: Speak with the Careers Practitioner, who may refer the student to the school’s Head Start Coordinator. The Head Start program helps students in Years 10–12 undertake SBATs and provides career support, employer connections, and coordination. More information is available on the Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships page.

Technically, no. Clusters are designed to create VET opportunities and support students undertaking VET and structured workplace learning. However, students interested in SBATs should talk with their school’s careers team, who can provide guidance or connect them with the Head Start Coordinator.

An RTO (Registered Training Organisation) is an organisation approved to deliver nationally recognised vocational education and training. RTOs include TAFE institutes, private training providers, some businesses, and in some cases, secondary schools. Only RTOs can issue VET qualifications.

Yes. The Cluster actively works with schools and welcomes partnerships with local businesses and community organisations. Opportunities include workplace learning, industry tours, guest speakers, and apprenticeship pathways. These partnerships are supported via local LLENs: • Hume Whittlesea LLEN (Sunbury schools) • Central Ranges LLEN (Macedon Ranges schools) • Goldfields LLEN (Castlemaine SC)

Students and families should first speak with their school’s VET Coordinator or Careers Practitioner. You can also contact the SMRVC Coordinator via the Contact Us page.