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Shape Your VCE with VET subjects that feel like you

What is VET?

Vocational education training (VET) is specific industry learning.

The skills you learn in VET can be applied in the workplace or as you keep studying towards a trade or TAFE or university qualification.

You can add VET subjects to your studies while you're in Year 11 or 12. Some schools let students start VET in Year 10.

Depending on the VET subject, you’ll either study at your school or at a nearby TAFE/training provider. 

Whether you want to explore subjects in an industry you’re passionate about, start an apprenticeship, or keep studying beyond VCE, VET gives you the confidence and qualifications to make it happen.

What do I get from VET?

VET helps you get started on your career path while you’re still at school.

It gives you practical skills in an industry you are interested in, which improves your employability.

VET can lead to careers in the fastest growing industries, while also giving you credit towards completion of your VCE.

You can even ‘earn and learn’ as part of a paid school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) while you do the VCE, VCE VM or VPC.

Here are just some of the benefits you can get from VET:

  • Nationally recognised qualification
  • Contribution towards VCE, VCE VM or VPC
  • Technical skills
  • Employability skills
  • Industry knowledge
  • Specialised knowledge
  • Employment opportunities
  • Financial outcomes (option to ‘earn while you learn’ with SBAT)
  • A stepping stone to TAFE or uni

VCE VET subjects

Select on any of the VET subjects below, to see what certifications are available. You can also explore subjects by priority industries. Then check with your school’s careers counsellor to find out what options are available.

 

Explore more

Did you know?

Answers to the top questions students have about VET:

VET can count towards your VCE, VCE VM or VPC. Just make sure you pick subjects that match your future goals.

VET lets you learn real-world skills that fit with your school subjects. For example, if you’re studying VCE Physics and Mathematical Methods and want to be an engineer, VCE VET Engineering can give you hands-on experience and industry know-how.

If you're doing VCE, VET can count towards your ATAR. If you don’t get the ATAR you need, or you’re doing VCE VM or VPC, a VET subject might still help you find a pathway into university.

While you’re doing your VCE, VCE VM or VPC, you can also earn a nationally recognised VET qualification. These are given out by Registered Training Organisations, like TAFEs.

Doing VET in secondary school means you can graduate with a qualification that’s linked directly to a real job. That’s a big head start in the workforce.

VET gives you real work experience and helps show employers that you’ve got the right attitude. According to the Australian Government, the two biggest things that help you get a job are workplace experience and a great attitude.

The 6 VCE VET priority industries are areas where there is strong jobs growth and high demand for skilled workers. These pathways align with Victoria’s fastest-growing industries and government priorities, giving you the chance to develop in-demand skills that can lead straight to rewarding careers. 
 

In VET, you’re assessed as either ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ for each skill. To pass, you need to show you can use your knowledge and skills like you would in a real job. That’s why VET assessments often happen in actual or simulated workplaces.
 

Ready for VET?

If you think you have found the right VET subject for you, or have more questions, please speak with your school’s careers counsellor or your year level coordinator. They will help you navigate the next steps, confirm which subjects are available at your school, and how you can add VET learning to your VCE.