What is VET-in-Schools?
Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VET-in-Schools) is a method of “dual accreditation” for secondary school students.
It allows students to complete a nationally recognised VET qualification through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and at the same time receive recognition towards their Year 12 school qualification.
Why Complete a VET-in-Schools Course?
A key advantage of the VET-in-Schools program is the opportunity for students to gain a career head-start while still in secondary school. Completing a qualification through VET-in-Schools can provide opportunities to:
- Develop industry-readiness for employment upon leaving secondary school
- Gain study experience to better prepare them for higher education (university)
- Complete units of competency that can be used as credit transfers or towards RPL into future courses, thus shortening the completion time
- Gain a stronger understanding of, and valuable experience in, their field of interest, to assist in planning and pursuing their career
Beyond this, completing a VET-in-Schools qualification enables students to study in an area of true passion. This can help to reduce the stress levels so common in senior school students and increase feelings of confidence and competence.
In addition, studying a VET-in-schools qualification can help to combat the futility many senior students feel, studying subjects that seem to have no relevance to the real world or their career desires. Instead, through VET-in-Schools they are studying for their future.
How Does VET-in-Schools Work?
While the management of VET-in-School differs slightly between different states, territories and schools, important points to note include:
- A student must have agreement from their secondary school to complete a VET-in-schools qualification and receive recognition.
- Individual schools reserve the right to determine which VET qualifications they will agree to students completing
- Generally, students can complete VET qualifications in Years 11 and 12 only
- Schools must agree to release the student from school electives so they can accommodate the study requirements of a VET course in their study load
- Schools may release students into extra classes at the school (e.g., additional dance classes) or to attend an alternative venue (e.g., a local dance studio)
- The education department in each state/territory determines which VET courses can be completed to received recognition towards Year 12 studies
- In some states/territories, the education department requires specific units of competency to be completed within the VET course, to receive recognition
- The VET qualification must be completed through a bonified RTO. You can check ADi’s RTO status here: https://training.gov.au/Organisation/Details/91600
- At all times, the RTO has primary responsibility for delivery of the VET qualification training package (not the school or dance studio)
What Dance Courses are Available Through VET-in-Schools?
Within dance, the most common courses completed via VET-in-Schools are:
CUA30120 – Certificate III in Dance (Release 1)
CUA30320 – Certificate III in Assistant Dance Teaching (Release 1)
CUA40120 – Certificate IV in Dance (Release 1)
The number of secondary school units that can be replaced with a VET-in-Schools qualification differs depending on the state/territory, and the qualification being completed. ADi can discuss these options with you and provide advice on pathways for your child.
I’m a Parent of a Secondary Student. How Do I Start?
Generally, the first step in any VET-in-School process is to make contact with your child’s secondary school and ask what their application process is for VET-in-Schools.
That said, it is also a good idea to make contact with your chosen RTO. ADi can provide information and advice regarding course availability, differing requirements between states/territories, and course options that best suit your child’s dance experience.
Ultimately, completion of a VET-in-Schools qualification requires clear communication between the student/parent, RTO and school.
I’m a Secondary School Teacher. Where Do I Start?
If you are a teacher looking to introduce or promote VET-in-Schools within your secondary school, consider first discussing your goals with the school executive.
That said, exploring the general requirements of VET-in-Schools as well as the courses available, can assist you to present a convincing case on the value of the program to your students. ADi can provide information and advice regarding state/territory requirements in regard to courses, unit credit potential and administration processes.