VET qualifications are state or nationally recognised certificates that provide students with practical skills and knowledge related to a particular industry or career area. VET courses focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant training. These qualifications are developed with industry professionals to ensure the training reflects current industry standards and skills needed in the workforce. All nationally recognised VET training is approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Each VET qualification is made up of Units of Competency (UoC). These units describe the specific skills and knowledge students learn throughout the course. As students successfully complete units, they progress towards completing the overall 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). These programs are 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 will usually achieve a nationally recognised qualification at Certificate II or Certificate III level, provided all required Units of Competency (UoC) are completed successfully. Some VET courses contain more training than can be completed within two years of senior secondary school. In these cases, students may complete part of the qualification and receive credit for the Units of Competency they have successfully finished. The remaining units can be completed later through further study. All VET students receive a Statement of Attainment for the Units of Competency they successfully complete, whether the qualification is fully or partially completed. This Statement can support pathways into further education, additional training, or a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

Many VET courses contribute credit towards the VCE or VCE VM. Some VET programs also include a scored Unit 3–4 sequence that can contribute to a student’s ATAR. As the contribution can vary depending on the course, students should speak with their school’s VET Coordinator or Careers team for advice about their individual pathway. You may also find the VCAA VET Program Chart helpful.

Fees vary from course to course and school to school. Students should check with their school’s VET Coordinator for details on course costs. As a guide: 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 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 about VET, 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 careers team 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 transport may be available through Department of Education funding managed by the statewide LLEN network, known as the VET Transport funding. Students should speak with their VET Coordinator to check eligibility. If 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 for information on how to enrol.

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, which can provide guidance or connect them with the Head Start Coordinator (for government schools).

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 often supported via Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs): Hume Whittlesea LLEN (Sunbury schools) Central Ranges LLEN (Macedon Ranges schools) Goldfields LLEN (Castlemaine Secondary College)

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.