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VET

VET allows you to do nationally recognised training as part of your VCE or VCAL. You can combine general and vocational studies, explore career options and pathways, learn in the workplace, and develop skills that prepare you for the workforce and further study.

In 2019, more than 50,000 Victorian students were enrolled in a VET certificate program, developing skills and knowledge in a diverse range of industries, including engineering, equine studies, automotive, health services, dance and more.

How do I include VET in my VCE or VCAL?

1. Complete a VCE VET program

There are 26 VCE VET programs with 45 qualifications to choose from. Read information on each of the VCE VET programs.

VCE VET units contribute towards satisfactory completion of your VCE or VCAL and give you a qualification that is recognised around Australia.

VCE VET programs that have Units 3 and 4 can be included in your ATAR calculation.

If you are interested in a particular area of work, ask your school about how a VCE VET program in that area will contribute to your VCE or VCAL.

2. Do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship

To become an apprentice or trainee you must be in paid work and sign a contract of training, which must be registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).

Your VCE or VCAL program would then include:

  • VCE or VCAL studies at school
  • VET at an RTO, such as a TAFE institute
  • part-time paid work in the industry in which you are training.

There are many industries in which you can do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship as part of your VCE or VCAL. These include agriculture, building and construction, early childhood education, and sport and recreation.

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship qualification contributes to satisfactory completion of the VCE or VCAL in the same way that VCE VET programs do by giving credit for Units 1 to 4. School-based apprenticeships or traineeships may contribute to an ATAR.

Ask your school how a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship can be arranged for you.

3. Complete a different VET certificate

If you are interested in doing a VET certificate that is not available as a VCE VET program, you may be able to count this training towards satisfactory completion of your VCE or VCAL. Block credit is the name given to this arrangement.

There are specific rules for block credit, so ask your VET or VCE coordinator for more information.

How do I get my results?

If you complete a VET qualification in any of these ways, you will receive a certificate or statement of attainment from the RTO (and credit towards the VCE or VCAL).

Structured Workplace Learning

SWL is on-the-job training that allows students to develop their work skills and understand employer expectations.

It can be a valuable component of VET qualifications undertaken by VCE or VCAL students.

SWL complements your training at school or another provider, and should be spread across the duration of the training program. It provides context for:

  • enhancement of skills development
  • practical application of industry knowledge
  • assessment of units of competency/modules, as determined by the RTO
  • increased employment opportunities.

SWL recognition

When you undertake SWL in the same industry as your VET certificate, you can gain additional units towards your VCE or VCAL if you complete SWL Recognition. This is a process where you reflect on your SWL experiences in a Workplace Learning Record and discuss these with your school. This also applies if you are undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

Get VET

To Get VET is to get important extras: gaining a nationally recognised qualification and contribution towards your VCE or VCAL, and the opportunity to improve your skills, knowledge, employment opportunities, financial outcomes and education pathways.

Visit Get VET to be inspired by the success stories of VET students. Discover how VET is different to a VCE study or a VCAL unit, and learn how VET can contribute towards your ATAR and help prepare you for the jobs of the future.