Vocational Education and Training (VET) – Ellenbrook Secondary College

At Ellenbrook Secondary College, our Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs empower Year 11 and 12 students to enhance their secondary education with nationally recognised qualifications. They are governed by the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Whether students are university-bound or focused on practical career pathways, VET provides valuable skills and real-world experience while working towards their WACE. Ellenbrook Secondary College is actively involved in promoting VET and providing students with opportunities and reward for their efforts. Students are encouraged to apply for VET awards throughout the year.

Successful completion of VET qualification opens doors to further education, traineeship, apprenticeship, boosts employability, and can contribute to secondary graduation requirements. Whether pursuing direct employment, further training, or TAFE/university studies, our VET programs provide a strong foundation for future success.

Students have the flexibility to study VET courses alongside their school subjects, gaining hands-on training in various industries. Those interested in apprenticeships or traineeships can fast-track their careers through programs such as:

Auspice Arrangement

Ellenbrook Secondary College partners with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver nationally recognised qualifications. These courses are comparable to those delivered by TAFE Colleges 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.

Ellenbrook Secondary College offers VET Certificates* under auspice arrangements with a range of RTOs including:

Registered Training Organisation (RTO)	RTO Code	Qualification Code	Qualification Name	Year Group
	2401	SIT30122	Certificate III in Tourism	Year 11/12
	0386	SIT20322	Certificate II in Hospitality	Year 11/12
	52502	MEM20422	Certificate II in Engineering	Year 11/12
	40548	CHC22015	Certificate II in Community Services	Year 11/12
		BSB10122	Certificate I in Workplace Skills	Year 11
		BSB20122	Certificate II in Workplace Skills	Year 12
		BSB30122	Certificate III in Business	Year 11/12
		SIS20319	Certificate II in Sport Coaching	Year 11
		CUA20220	Certificate II in Creative Industries	Year 11

*Certificates are reviewed each year and may not always be delivered due to a number of factors.

VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS)

VET Delivered to Secondary Schools Pathways (VETDSS) are offered by North and South Metropolitan TAFE Colleges as well as private RTOs with limited or no 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 days, depending on the course study day.

In previous years, industries available in the VETDSS program have been:

(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 RTO’s ability to deliver)

Timeline

Prior to August - Discuss with VET Coordinator to ensure that all requirements are fully understood
August - Application process for courses
Information is provided via the VET Office and College notices
November - Students and College are notified of successful outcome of applications
February (following year) - VETDSS program begins
Students will be advised of the exact start date for their industry program.

On successful completion, studies in a VETDSS certificate course at TAFE or Private RTO will contribute towards WACE.

Fee for Service

Fee-for-Service VET courses are courses where the full cost of the course or qualification is paid by the student. The cost of the course must be paid fully to Ellenbrook Secondary College (not the RTO) prior to the commencement of the program. Failure to do this will result in the student not being able to continue in the Fee-for-Service program.

Any course under consideration must take place on a Thursday and/or Friday and be discussed in detail with the VET Coordinator. Ellenbrook Secondary College will determine whether the Fee-for-Service program aligns with the student's best educational interests, and this decision will be communicated with both the student and their parent/carer.

Note: Under no circumstances can a parent/carer enrol their child in this program without prior approval from the appropriate personnel at Ellenbrook Secondary College.

School Based Traineeships (SBT) and School Based Apprenticeships (SBA)

School-Based Traineeships (SBTs) and School-Based Apprenticeships (SBAs) are available through a range of organisations. Entry is highly competitive and requires a separate application and interview process. Successful students will gain a VET qualification and will receive a training wage whilst completing their traineeship or apprenticeship.

Students undertaking traineeships must have them organised in Year 10 ready to commence in Year 11. They must add educational benefit to the student and be approved by the College. Traineeship durations vary depending on the qualification but is expected to be 18 months minimum. Places are limited. A minimum 7.5 hours per week is required. For further details, please refer to the School Based Traineeship Policy.

UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER (USI)
It is compulsory for all students who undertake a Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate course to create a Unique Student Identifier (USI) as a reference number. The USI will make it easier for 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 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 Card or Learner’s Permit.

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 are to bring a copy of the Medicare Card/Learner’s Permit to the VET Office where they will be assisted to complete the process.

WORKPLACE LEARNING
Workplace Learning is an endorsed program that allows students to gain valuable skills for employment while developing an entry-level understanding of their chosen industry. Students are encouraged to actively seek placements in areas of interest, including businesses run by family friends, and specify their preferences on the application form. The College also maintains a network of host employers, subject to availability.

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.

It is expected that students undertaking this program:

maintain 90% attendance, a good work ethic and acceptable behaviour at the College.
commit to working the required industry hours.
defer out of school commitments during this time and NOT organise appointments.
attend each day for the required hours.
be responsible for their own transport – placement locations cannot be guaranteed in the local area.
attend additional classes on a Friday for work readiness preparation – failure to attend these classes will result in the students not being eligible for Workplace Learning

Students are required to complete a detailed 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. Students can achieve up to four units over Year 11 and 12. In addition, students will be required to undertake approximately 15 weeks of work readiness classes on Friday, Period 5 during Semester 1 in Year 11. Meetings will be held prior to placements with dates to work around College calendar.

Note: Priority is given to students undertaking a VET qualification in the area. In the current environment, host employers are only taking students who are undertaking study in the pathway. For example, if you want to work as a mechanic you need to be undertaking a qualification in automotive, or if you want to work as a carpenter you need to be undertaking a qualification in construction.

ACHIEVEMENTS
Ellenbrook Secondary College has a very strong VET program. Over the years, the College has won several medals in the state and national level competitions.

For more information regarding the VET or Workplace Learning programs, please contact the VET Coordinator on 9297 9752.