Vocational Education and Training (VET) enables students to acquire workplace skills through nationally recognised training described within an industry training package or accredited course. They are governed by the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). In 2024 VET is only available to students enrolled in Year 11 and 12.
Successful completion of VET courses/certificates may provide students with improved access to TAFE, traineeships, apprenticeships and future employment.
Certificate courses are rigorous and attendance to classes is critical to the successful completion, as qualifications 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)
- Fee for Service
- School Based Traineeships/Apprenticeships
1. 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.
In 2024 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. There is 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 days, depending on the course study day.
In previous years, industries available in the VETDSS program have been:
- Automotive
- Civil Construction
- Education Services
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Events
- Population Health
- Health Science
- Horticulture and Conservation
- Hospitality (Kitchen Operations)
- Laboratory Skills
- Salon Assistant
- Beauty & Makeup
- Plumbing
- Painting
- Retail
- Applied Fashion
- Aeroskills
- Aviation (Cabin Crew)
(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)
The courses are available to apply for during August. Information is provided via the VET Office, daily notices and Connect notices. It is recommended that if students wish to undertake this additional training it is discussed with the VET Coordinator prior to August. This is 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 early 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.
EXCITING NEWS!
In 2024 we have an RTO delivering a profile course again on campus at Ellenbrook Secondary College for the convenience of our students.
| Registered Training Organisation (RTO) | RTO Code | Qualification Code | Qualification Name | Year Group |
 |
52499 |
CPC20220 | Certificate II in Construction (Bricklaying and Carpentry) | Year 11 |
- Fee for Service
Many 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 Secondary College (not the RTO) 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 Secondary College 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 Secondary College.
- School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships
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 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.
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 able to choose from a variety of industry areas (subject to host employer availability) including:
- Automotive
- Building and Construction
- Business
- Animal Care
- Community Service (Childcare and Aged Care)
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Information Technology
- Metals & Engineering
- Beauty & Hairdressing
- Sport & Recreation
- Education
Please note priority is given to students undertaking a VET qualification in the area and 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.
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.
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 11/12. 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.
Adding Value to VET Program
ESC is actively involved in promoting VET and providing students with opportunities and reward for their efforts.
WorldSkills
ESC has participated in WorldSkills since 2017 and has been very successful at both the state and national level in tourism and construction winning several medals. In 2022 we were awarded the WorldSkills in WA School Shield for the Best Performing School for VETiS WorldSkills Regional Competitions. In 2023, 4 students went to the national competition in Melbourne and ESC students achieved 2 gold medals, Natasha Crofts and Mervyn Abraham and 1 silver medal Samantha Commerford. In addition VET Coordinator, Debbie Harris was a competition judge.
Students are encouraged to apply for VET awards throughout the year.
WA Training Awards
In 2023 two students were shortlisted for interview and one student Jemma Carbonell went on to be a finalist in the School Based Apprenticeship Category.
SCSA VET Awards
A total of 8 students applied and were shortlisted for the awards in 2023. Two students achieved both VET Excellence and VET Exhibition Awards being the top student in their categories: Jemma Carbonell and Aaron Castledine and three further students received VET Excellence Awards, Samantha Commerford, Helen DeConing and Natasha Crofts.
For more information regarding the VET or Workplace Learning programs please contact the VET Coordinator at Ellenbrook Secondary College on 9297 9752 or Debbie.harris@education.wa.edu.au.