Vocational Education and Training - applying and enrolling in your chosen course 

Vocational Education and Training in Schools

The VET in Schools program is a key component of the federal government’s vocational strategy to improve year 12 retention rates, increase skills and address skills shortages. It operates across all states and territories in Australia. Essentially, VET in schools allows senior secondary students to undertake an accredited foundation vocational skills program whilst studying in their final years of schooling.

Attending vocational training over one or two days per week allows the student to learn valuable industry/work skills that will easily translate to the workplace.

Application

Students in years 11 and 12, and sometimes earlier may like to participate in a VET in Schools program as part of their tertiary preparation or vocational pathway program. Although it is subsidised by the government, there may be a cost associated with the program.

Eligibility

The program caters for senior secondary students who undertake a nationally accredited course during years 11 and 12. The scores and competencies achieved will contribute either towards their ATAR score or year 12 certificate.

To find out more about VET in schools, talk to your vocational/careers advisor at your school or college.

Technical and Further Education (TAFE)

Technical and Further Education, or TAFE as it is commonly known, offers courses designed for:

• young people preparing for their first job
• mature age people looking to train or retrain
• people preparing for university studies.

TAFE is a public training provider funded by each state government. It offers vocational training and education from the foundation level (i.e., Certificate I), to diploma or advanced diploma. A small number of TAFEs also offer bachelor degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas. TAFE courses are usually developed in consultation with industry and focus on providing the knowledge and skills required in the workplace for a given industry or field.

Application

You must apply and meet the minimum entry requirements of the course. Applications can be made through the relevant state tertiary admissions centre or directly to the TAFE organisation itself. Some TAFEs will take into consideration work experience or previous learning and may allow for special consideration on the grounds of equity.

Eligibility

Some TAFE programs are subsidised by the government. These include, but are not limited to, some apprenticeships and foundations skills programs. Depending on the program, the eligibility criteria may include attending an interview, presenting a portfolio of work, or completing an assessment or aptitude test.

TAFE graduates can claim credit toward higher-level TAFE qualifications and toward some university degrees. Graduates with a diploma may also be eligible for some university courses in a similar field and be given credit or recognition for prior learning. For further information about this process, contact your tertiary admissions centre in your state or territory.

Check out your state or territory TAFE website or search Myskills for more information.

Private registered training organisations (RTOs)

Private registered training organisations deliver accredited and non-accredited courses and programs across Australia. Currently, there are more than 4000 private RTOs operating nationally.

To be registered as a training organisation, RTOs must meet a range of mandatory requirements set by the Australian Skills Qualification Authority (ASQA) and state and territory regulatory bodies.

Private RTOs provide qualifications ranging from certificate I to advanced diplomas, in a wide range of fields such as beauty therapy, hospitality, travel, business, computing, music, childcare and naturopathy. Alongside TAFE, private RTOs are also one of the largest providers of vocational education and training (VET) programs in Australia.

Application

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for the course. These can vary greatly, so ensure you contact the course coordinator or check the RTO website. Applications must be made to the RTO directly. Note that a deposit may be required upon application to hold a place for you.

Eligibility

Entry into a private RTO program is not necessarily based on year 12 results or other previous studies or work experience. Some programs may not have any formal prerequisites at all. Check the provider’s website for further information on entry requirements or prerequisites.

For general information on courses and programs available contact your local Private RTO or search the MySkills website.

Community providers

Australia’s not-for-profit community education and training providers offer a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, classes and learning programs to job seekers, employers and community members in their local area.

Courses and programs include English language, foreign languages, computer software and IT, and life skills such as cooking and budgeting, numeracy and floral design.

Application

Applications are made directly to the provider. Costs apply and vary depending on the program or course, although some vocational and preparatory programs and courses may be fully subsidised by the government.

Eligibility

Eligibility depends on the particular course or program; however, many programs have no specific eligibility criteria beyond the desire to learn and share.

All training providers on the Adult Learning Australia site are registered and uphold the principle of lifelong learning. Some programs will be be sponsored by the government and eligibility criteria may include being registered as unemployed and seeking work.

For more information and to search for a program or course, refer to Adult Learning Australia (see below).

Adult Learning Australia

Adult Learning Australia (ALA) is the national peak body representing organisations and individuals in the adult learning field. ALAs mission it to advance a learning society, through advocating and promoting accessible and quality learning; researching and advancing innovative approaches to learning; developing and influencing policy on adult learning; and celebrating the joy of learning.