Vocational Education & Training (VET)

What is VET?

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is an accredited vocational education and training program that secondary students usually complete as one subject over 2 years. VET focuses on students developing industry-specific and workplace skills and courses are designed to meet industry needs.

VET subjects allow students to gain practical skills in a specific industry by completing a nationally recognised vocational qualification. A VET Certificate can contribute towards the completion of a student’s senior secondary certificate, such as Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM).

Students at Northcote High School can apply to complete a VET subject as part of their wider program in Years 10, 11 and 12. Certificates take 2 years to complete, and therefore students should start their VET course in either Year 10 or Year 11.

Where do students study their VET subject?

Northcote High School is a member of both the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster (NMVC) and the Inner Melbourne VET Cluster (IMVC). These clusters are consortia of secondary schools, formed to improve the provision of VET programs in the Northern and Inner Region of Melbourne. Having access to these two clusters opens up a wide range of vocational subject offerings and locations for NHS students.

Students work with our VET Coordinator to choose a provider and course which fits with their timetable. Students travel to study their vocational certificate on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon.

VET subjects

Students are provided with information regarding VET offerings during the course expo and selection process.

VET programs offer a diverse range of study areas, including agriculture; fashion design and textiles; building and construction; business; community services; allied health; make-up; horticulture; hospitality; media; animal studies; visual arts; sport and recreation; digital media and technology; equine studies; furniture making; music industry; engineering and dance.

Structured Workplace Learning

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) is on-the-job training that allows VET students to develop their work skills and understand employer expectations.

SWL is often a compulsory aspect of undertaking a VET course. This might involve students undertaking work placement on school holidays or sometimes during term time. Students studying for Vocational Major might also have an opportunity to undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT). For more information on doing an SBAT students can chat with our Careers Practitioner.