How vocational education and training fits into Year 11 and 12

All you need to know about VET, the skills you’ll get, and where it can take you.

About VET

Vocational education training (VET) is specific industry learning.

The skills you learn in VET can be applied in the workplace or as you keep studying towards a trade or qualification.

You can add VET to your studies while you're in Year 11 or 12. Some schools let students start VET in Year 10.

VET can be included in your:

Depending on the VET course, you’ll either study at your school or at a nearby TAFE/training provider.

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Where it can take you

VET helps you get started on your career path while you’re still at school.

It gives you practical skills in an industry you are interested in, which improves your employability.

VET also gives you credit towards completion of your:

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
  • VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM)
  • Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

Some VET programs provide a score that contributes to your ATAR, if you're eligible for one. A student who achieves a Unit 3–4 sequence from a non-scored VCE VET program may be eligible for an increment towards their ATAR.

Earn and learn with an SBAT

Some VET options are available as a paid school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) while you do the VCE, VCE VM or VPC.

This option allows you to learn on-the-job as a part-time employee, while earning a training wage and working alongside qualified professionals. Many SBAT students continue employment as a full-time apprentice or trainee after finishing year 12.

To find out more about this option, visit School-based apprenticeships and traineeships.(opens in a new window)

Your VET options

More and more schools are offering VET in the priority pathways listed below. Check with your school’s careers counsellor to find out what options are available at your school.

Some of the certificates listed below have scored pathways available and Unit 3 and 4 sequences available. VET options where these apply have been marked with:

- Scored pathways available = *

- Unit 3 and 4 sequences available = +

Health

  • Certificate II in Health Support Service
  • Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (partial completion)
  • Certificate III in Health Services Assistance *+

    These certificates are in the VCE VET Health(opens in a new window) program.

Community Services and Early Childhood Education

Building and Construction

Digital Media and Technologies

Hospitality

  • Certificate II in Hospitality *+
  • Certificate II in Cookery (previously Certificate II in Kitchen Operations) *+

    These certificates are in the VCE VET Hospitality(opens in a new window) program.

Clean Energy and Engineering

Automotive

Agriculture and Environment

Hair and Beauty

  • 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 Beauty(opens in a new window) program.

Creative Industries

Sport and Recreation

  • Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
  • Certificate II in Sport and Recreation
  • Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation *+

    These certificates are in the VCE VET Sport and Recreation(opens in a new window) program.

Business

More information

Talk to your school’s careers counsellor to find out which of these options might be best for you.

To find out more about VET, visit the VCAA's website(opens in a new window).

To find out more about where VET can take you and hear from other students who have completed it, visit VET Champions(opens in a new window).

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