The Vocational Education and Training (VET) program at Ellenbrook Secondary College is one of the strongest and most successful in Western Australia – proven by our recent recognition as the WorldSkills WA Best Performing School not once, but twice, in 2022 and 2024. These awards highlight the exceptional quality of our training, the dedication of our students, and the expertise of our staff. When students choose VET at Ellenbrook SC, they are choosing a program that is nationally recognised and state‑wide celebrated for excellence.
Our VET pathways provide students in Year 11 and 12 with real, industry‑ready skills through nationally endorsed qualifications governed by the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Students learn in hands-on environments that reflect real workplaces, building confidence, capability, and employability. With strong attendance and consistent engagement, students graduate with skills that employers trust and seek.
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. Successful completion of VET courses/certificates may provide students with improved access to TAFE, traineeships, apprenticeships and future employment.
With award-winning performance, industry partnerships, and a strong commitment to student success, the VET program at Ellenbrook SC stands out as one of the top pathways for students wanting a competitive edge in their future careers.
Ellenbrook SC offers four flexible delivery options, ensuring every student can follow a pathway that aligns with their goals:
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:
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- 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 |
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2401 | SIT30125 | Certificate III in Tourism | Year 11/12 |
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0361 | MEM20422 | Certificate II in Engineering Pathways | Year 11/12 |
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52786 | SIT20322 | Certificate II in Construction Pathways | Year 11 |
 |
41549 | CUA30920 | Certificate III in Music | Year 11 |
 |
40548 | BSB10122 | Certificate I in Workplace Skills | Year 11 |
| CHC24015 | Certificate II in Active Volunteering | Year 12 | ||
| CHC22015 | Certificate II in Community Services | Year 11/12 | ||
| SIS20122 | Certificate II in Sport and Recreation | Year 12 | ||
| SIS20321 | Certificate II in Sport Coaching | Year 11 | ||
| BSB20120 | Certificate II in Workplace Skills | Year 12 | ||
| BSB30120 | Certificate III in Business | Year 11/12 |
*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.
Studies in a VETDSS certificate course at TAFE or Private RTO will, on completion, contribute towards WACE.
In previous years, industries 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 RTO’s ability to deliver.)
Application Timeline
| Prior to application | Students who wish to undertake this additional training should discuss with the VET Coordinator to ensure that all the requirements are fully understood. |
| Late June – July | Applications for the following year open. |
| Late August | Applications close. |
| October to November | Outcome of application. Initial offers for competitive courses are released to VET Coordinators. |
| Early February (following year) | VETDSS Program commences (students will be advised of the exact start date for their industry program). |
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/carer 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.
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.
Further Information
Head of Learning Area – Technologies and VET
Mrs Barbara Woulfe
Phone: (08) 9297 9700
Email: barbara.woulfe@education.wa.edu.au
