Vocational Education and Training (VET) enables students to acquire workplace skills through nationally recognised training described within an industry developed training package or accredited course. They are governed by the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Successful completion of VET qualifications may provide students with improved pathways including access to TAFE, traineeships, apprenticeships and future employment.
Pictured above Mrs Debbie Harris, VET Coordinator and our 2022 World Skills Ellenbrook Secondary College medal winners. The students won 8 medals in total. The WorldSkills Australia National Championships is Australia’s biggest vocational education and excellence competition in the nation. Ellenbrook Secondary College was named the Overall Champion School for 2022.
VET qualifications are rigorous and attendance to classes is critical to the successful completion as they are based on competency-based learning and demonstration of knowledge and skills on a regular basis, over time.
There are four delivery methods for VET at Ellenbrook Secondary College
- Auspice Arrangement
- VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) – Profile Funding
- Fee for Service
- School Based Traineeships/Apprenticeships
1. Auspice Arrangement
Ellenbrook SC partners with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver nationally recognised qualifications. These courses are comparable to those delivered by TAFE and private RTOs. The advantages for students studying these qualifications at school are:
- convenience of not having to find transport to another location
- the full qualification is delivered by teachers who know the students
- feedback is on a regular basis and greater communication with parent/guardian
In 2023, Ellenbrook SC offers VET qualifications under auspice arrangements with the following RTOs:
2. VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS)
VET Delivered to Secondary Schools Pathways (VETDSS) are offered by North and South Metropolitan TAFE as well as private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as College of Electrical Training and Master Plumbing Association (MPA) etc, at no or limited resource costs. Entry is highly competitive and requires a separate application process.
The VETDSS program has two key phases.
- Students will study at school for three or four days per week (timetable restrictions) and
- Attend TAFE/RTO and/or work placement for the other day/s depending on the course study day.
In previous years’ courses available in the VETDSS program have been:
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(The above information provides only an indication of the courses to be delivered and will depend upon funding, skill shortages at the time and participating RTOs ability to deliver)
The VETDSS courses are available to apply for during August. Information is provided via the VET Office, daily notices and through Connect. It is recommended that if students are intending to apply for these courses, it is discussed with the VET Coordinator prior to August, to ensure that all the requirements are fully understood.
Students and the College should be notified of successful applicants by late November. The VETDSS program will begin in February. Students will be advised of the exact start date for their industry program.
Studies in a VETDSS certificate course at TAFE or Private RTO will, on completion, contribute towards WACE.
In 2023 we are pleased to advise that North Metropolitan TAFE are offer the courses at Ellenbrook Secondary College through VETDSS:
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3. Fee for Service
RTOs offer courses to students that are based on a fee being paid for the qualification provided. The cost of the course must be paid fully to Ellenbrook SC prior to the commencement of the qualification. Failure to do this will result in the student not continuing in the Fee for Service program. Any course being considered must occur on a Thursday and/or Friday and be discussed in detail with the VET Coordinator. It is the decision of Ellenbrook SC to determine whether the Fee for Service program is in the best educational interest of the student and this will be discussed with student and parent/guardian. Under NO circumstance can a parent/guardian sign their child up for this program without gaining approval from appropriate personnel at Ellenbrook SC.
In previous years the following courses have been part of this program:
- Education Support
- Health Services
- Preparation for Health and Nursing
- Business
- Animal Studies
4. School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Limited School-Based Traineeships (SBTs) and School-Based Apprenticeships (SBAs) are available through different organisations. Entry is highly competitive and requires a separate application and interview process, along with approval from the VET Coordinator. Successful students will gain a VET qualification and will receive a training wage whilst completing their traineeship or apprenticeship. They must add educational benefit to the student and be approved by the College and compatible with the College timetable. Traineeship durations vary depending on the qualification, but is approximately 18 months with a minimum 7.5 hours per week. Places are limited and are preferred to be undertaken during school hours. For further details, please refer to the School Based Traineeship Policy or contact the VET Coordinator.
UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER (USI)
It is compulsory for all students who undertake a Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate to create a Unique Student Identifier (USI) as a reference number. The USI allows students to keep track of their VET achievements and ensure that VET records are not lost. The USI is available online and at no cost to the student. This USI will stay with the student for life, so it is important to record the USI in a secure place for later reference. The USI is required by the RTO for enrolments and the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) to allow VET certificate results to be counted towards the achievement of WACE.
The Unique Student Identifier can be created at http://www.usi.gov.au. This will only take a few minutes. You will require one source of ID as listed on the website, we recommend a Medicare Care. When you have completed the process you will receive an email with your unique student identifier information. PLEASE NOTE: Forward the official email with the USI to: ellenbook.sc.vet@education.wa.edu.au.
If the student has difficulty applying for the USI, they can bring a copy of the Medicare Card to the VET Office, where they will be assisted to complete the process.
WORKPLACE LEARNING
Workplace Learning is an Endorsed program that provides an opportunity for students to develop the necessary skills they need for employment and an entry level understanding of how their chosen industry operates.
Students are able to choose from industry areas (subject to host employer availability) including:
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(Priority to students undertaking the VET qualification and some industries have compulsory requirements)
It is expected that students undertaking this program:
- maintain 90% attendance, a good work ethic and acceptable behaviour at the College
- commit to working each day and the required industry hours
- defer out of school commitments during this time and NOT organise appointments
- be responsible for their own transport – placement locations cannot be guaranteed in the local area
- attend additional classes on a Friday, Period 5 for work readiness preparation – failure to attend these classes will result in the students not being eligible for Workplace Learning
Students will be offered workplace learning as a one day a week option (limited) or a block placement during the examination breaks in May/June (Semester 1) and November (Semester 2-Year 11 only). Students will complete an application form (supplied by the College) and may undergo an interview process to determine which option they are most suitable for. They may also be asked to provide proof of licences, vaccinations etc. Students are required to complete a logbook and skills journal whilst out on the work placement to demonstrate their employability skills. On completion of these documents and 55 hours in the workplace, students will be given one unit equivalent (C grade), if eligible. Students can achieve up to four units over Year 11/12, if eligible.
For more information regarding the VET or Workplace Learning program please contact the VET Coordinator at Ellenbrook Secondary College on 9297 9752 or Debbie.harris@education.wa.edu.au