What is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) program?

VET stands for Vocational Education and Training.  Students can complete a VET program as part of their VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) or their VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) senior school certificates.

VET programs have an emphasis on hands-on-learning that means that it’s not purely theory based but focussed more on practising what you learn in training in a simulated workplace or training environment, and preparing you to a standard expected from employers and industry.
Here’s an example: as part of VET Hospitality students will work in the kitchen and learn all the ‘behind the scene’ secrets in the training restaurant as well as learn the skills required for front-of-house service. There is also an element of theory involved with VET training in order to give students a base knowledge and understanding of the practical components and industry they are training in.

VET Programs are available in a range of industry areas including: Engineering, Hospitality, Music, Dance, Boating, Automotive (Mechanical, Paint & Panel and Auto Electrical Fitting), Screen Production and Information Technology.

By undertaking a VET program is completing TAFE training whilst you are still at school.  This training is certified by a RTO (Registered Training Organisation). Upon successful completion of the VET Program the student will receive a certificate of completion.  This certificate gives you national accreditation which means that the qualification you receive is nationally recognised by all employers and other training organisations. A VET program will also counts towards a students VCE or VCAL.