Vocational education and training explained
Vocational education and training (VET) is learning where you develop targeted and practical skills. The skills you learn relate to a career pathway, so can apply them at work or in further education and training.
You can add a VET course or certificate to your studies while you're in year 11 or 12. You may even start VET in year 10.
Including VET in your studies
VET adds another level of learning to your senior secondary schooling. You get practical skills in an industry you’re interested in, improving your employability.
Talk to your teacher or careers counsellor about adding VET to your VCE, VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) program.
VET courses:
- provide a nationally recognised qualification in a specific industry, or provide credit towards one
- contribute towards the completion of your VCE, VCE Vocational Major or VPC
- give you the option to study through a paid school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
Your VET options
More schools are offering training that provides high-demand skills in 12 priority pathways.
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- Certificate II in Active Volunteering
- Certificate III in Community Services incorporating Certificate II in Community Service*^
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (partial completion)^
- Certificate II in Applied Language
- Certificate III in Applied Language
These certificates are in the VCE VET Community or Applied programs.
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- Certificate II in Construction Pathways^
- Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (partial completion)^
- Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)^
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)^
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)^
These certificates are in the VCE VET Building and , or Electrical programs.
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- Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies
- Certificate III in Information Technology*^
- Certificate II in Integrated Technologies*^
These certificates are in the VCE VET Integrated or Information and Communications programs.
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- Certificate II in Engineering Studies*^
- Certificate II in Civil Construction^
- Certificate III in Laboratory Skills*^
These certificates are in the VCE VET , Civil or Laboratory programs.
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- Certificate II in Agriculture^
- Certificate II in Horticulture^
- Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management^
- Certificate II in Animal Care^
These certificates are in the VCE VET Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land or Animal programs.
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- Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant Certificate III in Beauty Services^
- Certificate III in Make-Up^
These certificates are in the VCE VET Hair and program.
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- Certificate II in Creative Industries
- Certificate III in Screen and Media*^
- Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology^
- Certificate II in Music
- Certificate III in Music (Performance)*^
- Certificate III in Music (Sound Production)*^
- Certificate III in Dance*^
These certificates are in the VCE VET Creative and Digital , Applied Fashion Design and , or programs.
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- Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
- Certificate II in Sport and Recreation
- Certificate III in Sport and Recreation*^
These certificates are in the VCE VET Sport and program.
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- Certificate II in Workplace Skills
- Certificate III in Business*^
- Certificate II in Small Business (Operations/Innovation)^
These certificates are in the VCE VET or Small programs.
* Scored pathway available
^ Unit 3 and 4 sequence available
Ask your school careers counsellor about the VET options your school offers.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our VET Champions. These high-achieving Victorians have risen to success through VET pathways.
Apprenticeships and traineeships at school
Your VCE, VCE Vocational Major or VPC can include an apprenticeship or traineeship. Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship while at school means you get paid on-the-job training that leads to a qualification. School-based apprenticeships and traineeships give you the confidence and vocational skills that employers need.
More information
VET pathways in schools
Get VET student guide | VCAA
VCE VET programs | VCAA
Reviewed 24 January 2023