Kiralee
VET was fun and exciting because it was a whole new environment
and I got to meet other people with the same interests.
Salon Owner
Why I chose VET
VET was a fantastic way for me to have the option to start my career while I was still at school. I wasn't the most academic student so I believed a VET pathway would be perfect for me. It gave me the power to step outside my comfort zone, begin a new journey and start my dream career.
What I got out of VET
VET gave me the opportunity to attend school at the same time as giving me the opportunity to begin my dream career. I found that the balance between school, VET and Structured Workplace Learning was great because it gave me a completely different view on school and what my future would look like. During my VCAL I completed a Certificate II in Salon Assistant and commenced a Certificate III in Hairdressing which I completed after school. Through VET I was able to challenge myself and gain professional skills for my trade.
My VET success story
I began VET while I was studying Year 11. I then went on to a school-based apprenticeship while completing Year 12. After my school-based apprenticeship, I was lucky enough to get offered a full-time apprenticeship. After completing my apprenticeship, I was offered a full-time job.
Then I decided to undertake a Diploma of Beauty Therapy as well. After a few years, I became qualified. I moved from my home town to Edenhope and brought the local salon. I am now living happily in Edenhope and I'm living the dream of being my own boss.
My advice
Go for it! You really have nothing to lose. VET is a great way to find out if a certain career path is really what you want. It allows you to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. And it is a fantastic way to get a head start in your career.
Kiralee's VET success story (pdf - 771.2kb)
My pathway
Completed
VCAL
VCE VET Hair and Beauty
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
Certificate III in Hairdressing (SBAT) (commenced)
VCE Computing
VCE Art
Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Industry Specific Skills
Work Related Skills
Personal Development Skills
TAFE
Certificate III in Hairdressing (continued)
Employed full-time
Apprentice Hairdresser
Employed full-time
Hairdresser
TAFE
Diploma of Beauty Therapy
Current
Salon Owner
VET in 3 words
Challenging. Interesting. Successful.
Secondary school: Nhill College
Location: Nhill
VET qualification:
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
- Diploma of Beauty Therapy