VET in Schools (VETiS)

Vocational education and training (VET) courses are available to students while they are still at school. This is often referred to as VETiS.

VET is learning which is directly related to work. Nationally recognised qualifications are developed by industry to give people the knowledge and skills they need to work in a particular job.

You can undertake VET at school:

• as part of your school studies—delivered and resourced by a school registered training organisation
• by enrolling in a qualification with an external registered training organisation – funded either by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training's VET investment budget or through fee-for-service arrangements (i.e. where the student or parent pays for the qualification).
• as a school-based apprentice or trainee.

Talk to your guidance officer, career counsellor, vocational education coordinator or head of senior schooling about the qualification that is right for you from the range of programs available at your school.

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

Read more information on VET in schools courses funded through the VET investment budget, as well as VETiS frequently asked questions.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow high school students—typically Years 11 and 12—to work with an employer as paid employees, while studying for their senior certificate. At the same time, students undertake a training qualification with a supervising registered training organisation chosen by both the employer and the student.

A school-based apprentice's or trainee's employment and/or training arrangements must impact on their school timetable for the program to be considered school based.

The benefits of undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship include:

• receiving both an education and a job
• being a step ahead of the competition for jobs
• learning the latest knowledge and skills
• getting paid while you learn
• working towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification
• gaining hands-on experience in a real job
• gaining the skills and experience to help you go on to tertiary study
• experiencing a great way to move from school to work
• gaining a sense of achievement.

Doing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is a great start to your career.

Last updated 28 November 2022