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Senior secondary school students, and sometimes students in Year 10, can participate in applied learning programs as part of their studies. Applied learning is also referred to as a ‘hands on' or practical learning experience that assists students to develop skills required for employment, further education and participation in the community. In Victoria the two main applied learning programs are Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS or VET) and Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBA).
What is VETiS?
Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) describes courses that are usually undertaken at a TAFE or registered training organisation or, under the institution's supervision, in the school. A wide variety of industries offer VETiS training including hospitality, engineering, community services and music to name but a few. Typically a student will attend their TAFE training one day per week for one or two years. Upon successful completion of the training the student will receive a nationally recognised certificate (eg. Certificate II in Business Administration). VETiS training is available to students completing VCE and is a core component of a VCAL program. Students undertaking a VETiS course are usually required to participate in a structured industry work placement, which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in a ‘real life' workplace.
What are ASBAs?
Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASBAs) allow students over 15 years of age to work as paid part-time apprentices or trainees while still at school. ASBAs enable young people to gain a vocational qualification and paid workplace experience while also completing their school studies. ASBAs are an increasingly popular applied learning option for VCE or VCAL students in Years 11 and 12, and in some cases available to Year 10 students also. ASBAs prepare students for the world of work and assist employers to attract young employees into their business and industry. Students undertaking an ASBA must attend school, TAFE and work and are paid a national training wage for time spent in the workplace. Upon successful ASBA completion students receive a nationally recognised qualification that can count as part of their senior school certificate (VCE or VCAL). In addition, students who choose to pursue a full-time apprenticeship in the same field may receive credits for the workplace hours and training they have already undertaken as part of their ASBA.
What are the senior school qualifications?
Victorian students can choose to complete one of three senior school qualifications - the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and the International Baccalaureate. For more information about these qualifications it is best to speak to a secondary school staff member or consult the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) website.
What is the VCE?
The VCE has been the standard year 12 qualification since 1991. It covers both Years 11 and 12, and is administered by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA). The VCE provides students with an ENTER score (Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank), which is used by universities (and in some cases TAFEs) to select students for their courses. The VCE is available at all secondary schools and some TAFEs, training providers and community education centres.
What is VCAL?
The VCAL is a ‘hands on' learning option for students in Years 11 and 12. It offers practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. Like the VCE, the VCAL is a recognised senior qualification. Unlike the VCE which is widely used by students as a pathway to university, the VCAL focuses on hands-on learning. Students who undertake VCAL are more likely to be interested in TAFE training, an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing Year 12. VCAL students do not receive ENTER scores, which means they are not eligible to apply for university courses at the end of the completing year, however, they can still apply for some TAFE courses. University entrance is an option later as a mature age student. Not all secondary schools offer VCAL, and it is available in non-school settings such as Holmesglen Vocational College and other community education settings.
Where are the local secondary schools?
Download the list of secondary schools in the Bayside, Glen Eira and Kingston region.
Where can I get support?
A number of local organisations and government departments exist to assist secondary school students and their parents. Many of the following organisations provide information about the learning options available, while others offer programs and services to assist students who are struggling with school, thinking about leaving before completing year 12 or wanting to return to education after a break.
Who: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
What: The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) provides the Victorian Government with policy and planning advice for all stages of education and childhood development.
Where: Phone - 9637 2000, Email - edline@edumail.vic.gov.au, Web - www.education.vic.gov.au
Who: Youth Pathways
What: Youth Connect's Youth Pathways Program is a free service that aims to assist the young people aged 13 to 19 years and at risk of not making a successful transition through to completion of year 12 (or its equivalent) and ultimately, to further education, training or employment. Youth Pathways staff work one-on-one with young people to devise strategies that will make school more relevant, assist with goals and pathways planning, source education and training programs and provide advice about options.
Where: Phone - 9557 6233, Email - j.barren@youthconnect.com.au, Web - www.youthconnect.com.au
Who: Local Community Partnership
What: Youth Connect's Local Community Partnerships (LCP) team works closely with schools, students and parents as well as local business and industry, in order to promote different educational, training and employment pathways for young people. LCP staff assist students and schools with VET program delivery, sourcing industry work placements, access to industry tours and workshops. In addition, LCP staff deliver the Parents As Career Transition Supports (PACTS) program workshops which empower parents to assist their child to make career and transition decisions.
Where: Phone - 9557 6233, Email - j.hickey@youthconnect.com.au, Web - www.youthconnect.com.au
