Frequently Asked Questions - Getting Started

A VCE VET program is constructed around a nationally recognised qualification, usually at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level II or III. Some VCE VET programs offer more than a single qualifications outcome.

Getting Started

The school wants to run a VCE VET program. Where can I get advice?
Where do I find out about current and future VCE VET programs?
How do I get a program booklet?
Why should my school get involved in VET?
Are VET programs easy to run?
Which are the most popular VET programs?
Is a VET program equal to a VCE subject?
Do students do Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) in VET programs? Do I have to organise this?
What is the role of the VCAA in VET?
For a VET certificate to be approved as a VCE VET program, who needs to support it?
How long does it take to develop a new program?
How do employers view VET programs?
What are training packages and how do they relate to VET?
Where do I get the curriculum documents and training packages?
Related resources

The school wants to run a VCE VET program. Where can I get advice?

Read the VET section in the VCAA VCE and VCAL Administration Handbook
Decide which VCE VET programs you may be interested in running then read the program booklets. All details and booklets can be located in each entry in the VCE VET program index.
Talk to the appropriate Curriculum Maintenance Manager (CMM) (http://trainingsupport.otte.vic.gov.au/cmminf.cfm) or local Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Search for RTOs on the National Training Information Service (www.ntis.gov.au) website or a school cluster offering the VET course
Discuss the matter at Curriculum Committee - someone else in the school might have more information
Contact members of the Project Reference Group for the VCE VET program (noted on the Acknowledgements page of the program booklet)
Contact the VCAA VET Unit
Funding arrangements - contact Youth Transitions within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) on (03) 9637 3181. Independent and Catholic schools need to contact sector authorities.

Where do I find out about current and future VCE VET programs?

All current VCE VET programs can be viewed from the index of VET Programs.

Advice on new and revised VCE VET program developments is published in the monthly VCAA Bulletin and Edumail may be used to send memoranda to schools.

How do I get a program booklet?

All VCE providers receive copies of the booklets when they are published. Program booklets are also located within the VCE VET program section of this site in PDF format.

Why should my school get involved in VET?

Increasing numbers of students want to undertake vocational training that provides a different learning environment and may be more suited to their needs
Students have increased access to employment when they leave school
VCE VET programs can help a student make a more informed choice about post-school options.

Are VET programs easy to run?

No. We admit up front that VCE VET is a complex area and that getting started can be difficult. However, there are now many schools running VET in Victoria, and there are many people from whom you can seek information and advice.

Which are the most popular VET programs?

The programs with the highest enrolments in 2007 were:

Is a VET program equal to a VCE subject?

Yes, where the level of credit is equal, programs are equal. In 2008, 14 VCE VET programs have access to a Study Score as well.

Do students do Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) in VET programs? Do I have to organise this?

Generally speaking, Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) is a valuable, strongly recommended element of VCE VET programs but is not always compulsory. For some programs however, SWL is mandated.

SWL may be arranged by the school however your local cluster or Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) (www.llen.vic.gov.au) may be able to assist.

What is the role of the VCAA in VET?

The VCAA works with Industry Training Boards, schools and RTOs to put together courses which can be approved as VET in the VCE programs. The VCAA produces the program booklets for VCE VET programs and works with the involved parties on updates/revisions as required.

For a VET certificate to be approved as a VCE VET program, who needs to support it?

Potential VCE VET programs require support from industry, schools and training providers to get approval from the VCAA for recognition in the VCE.

How long does it take to develop a new program?

Developing a new program is a lengthy process taking at least 6 months. The VCAA must have evidence of:

Industry Training Board support
Outcomes and pathways for students
School commitment to offering the program.

How do employers view VET programs?

In high regard. VCE VET programs are supported by Industry Training Boards who work closely with employers to determine the training needs of the industry.

What are training packages and how do they relate to VET?

National training packages are being developed by Industry Skills Councils. Training packages consist of a set of competency standards, assessment guidelines and national qualifications that apply across an industry.

These packages will underpin delivery of VET training by RTOs and industry as they progressively replace the mix of competency standards and accredited curriculum based courses. A training package is different from a curriculum document as the focus of the training package is on assessment of a person in the workplace.

Where do I get the curriculum documents and training packages?

Each VET program booklet indicates where the relevant curriculum document or training package may be obtained under the heading Useful contacts and information sources.

Related resources

Links to organisations and initiatives mentioned on this page:

Australian Qualifications Framework (www.aqf.edu.au)
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) (www.education.vic.gov.au/default.htm)
Industry Skills Councils (www.isc.org.au)
Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) (www.llen.vic.gov.au)

See also

Education Network Australia (EdNA) (www.edna.edu.au) provides access to quality Internet sites for the education and training community
The Training and Skills website (www.dest.gov.au/sectors/training_skills/default2.htm)