Queensland school students can undertake nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications while they are still at school. VET courses can be undertaken in Years 10, 11 and 12.

Students can undertake VET at school:

  • as part of their school studies – delivered and resourced by a school that is also a registered training organisation (RTO)
  • by enrolling with an external RTO – funded either by the Queensland Government's VET in Schools program or through fee-for-service arrangements, where fees are paid by an individual such as a student or parent, or another entity such as a community or industry group
  • as a school-based apprentice or trainee – funded either by the Queensland Government or fee-for-service arrangements.

Read more information about VET delivered in schools by the Department of Education.

VET in Schools 2025

VETiS qualifications funded by the Queensland Government will be listed on the Queensland Subsidised Training List. These qualifications will be delivered by Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS) under VET in Schools.

Students undertaking VETiS can complete one employment stream qualification at the certificate I or II level. Schools, in consultation with students and their parents, are able to choose any SAS approved to deliver the eligible qualification.

Students who wish to undertake a government-funded certificate III qualification should do so through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

VET in Schools 2026

VETiS 2026 will align school-based training with the needs of industry while also creating career pathways for Queensland's secondary students.

Consultation will continue with stakeholders, including schools, to inform development of the VETiS arrangements for 2027 and beyond.

The Department of Trade, Employment and Training's programs for secondary school students in 2026 will include:

Key changes for 2026

  • Additional school-based traineeships will be made available in health support services and sampling and measurement.
  • Certificate I and II qualifications currently funded for school students will continue. The Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) will be delivered through a standalone program.
  • The funded qualification list and approved SAS will be published and provided to schools in Term 3.

Related information

Last updated 7 August 2025

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