VET in schools
Some students undertake vocational education and training courses while they are still at school.
Vocational education and training (sometimes called VET) is learning which is directly related to work. Courses are developed by industry to give people the knowledge and skills they need to work in a particular job.
You can undertake vocational education and training at school:
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as part of your school studies
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by enrolling in a course at a TAFE or other training organisation
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as a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
The type of vocational education and training you do will depend on what your school offers, so talk to your guidance officer, career counsellor, vocational education coordinator or head of senior schooling about the range of programs available.
Enrolling in a course at a TAFE or other training organisation
At some schools, students can enrol in a vocational education and training course delivered by a TAFE institute or other training organisation during school time. Achievement in these courses can also be recorded on your senior certificate.
Pre-vocational and pre-apprenticeship courses
Pre-vocational (which means before work) and pre-apprenticeship courses help you develop skills to get a job, or prepare you to become an apprentice or trainee.
Completing a relevant pre-vocational or pre-apprenticeship course not only allows you to see what working in a particular job is like, it may also reduce the term of an apprenticeship or traineeship if you decide to continue your training.
You can study pre-vocational and pre-apprenticeship courses at high school, before commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship or as a way to get a job.
To find information on the pre-vocational or pre-apprenticeship courses available, visit the Queensland training information service (QTIS) database and search for the occupation or industry you are interested in (for example, search for 'mechanic' or 'automotive').
School-based apprenticeship and traineeship
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:
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receiving both an education and a job
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being a step ahead of the competition for jobs
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learning the latest knowledge and skills
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getting paid while you learn
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working towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification
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gaining hands-on experience in a real job
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gaining the skills and experience to help you go on to tertiary study
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experiencing a great way to move from school to work
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gaining a sense of achievement.
Doing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is a great start to your career.
Read more about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships on the Apprenticeships Info website.
