VET

Vet at Aim High

Vocational Education Training units provide the option for students to gain relevant and nationally recognised training as part of their VCE or VCAL studies. VET in the VCE program combines general VCE studies with vocational training and experience in the workplace. Aim High is able to offer senior students programs selected from the range of industry areas approved by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. VCAL students benefit from the opportunity to achieve vocational skills in an environment that compliments their studies. Successful completion of a VET certificate yields students many benefits: Two qualifications: a VCE or VCAL issued by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and a VET Certificate issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

An enhanced Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank (ENTER) which can improve access to further education The ability to articulate into further vocational education and training courses Workplace experience including structured workplace learning.

Up to 13 of the minimum 16 units necessary for successful completion of the VCE can be VET units. VET units can count towards completing VCAL. Under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), the RTO is responsible for all quality assurance requirements in relation to the delivery of training, assessment and certification. Assessment of units of competence or modules may be conducted only by or under the auspices of the RTO. Co-operative arrangements may be established between schools and RTOs for the delivery and assessment of components of a training program. RTOs may be TAFE, private providers, group training companies, industry organisations, schools and workplaces. Aim High believes that students must choose VET courses on their merits and on when they hope to get out of the course. This focus on self determination may require negotiation with a number of class teachers and year level supporters to fit the VET course in with the student’s individual learning plan. A full list of recognised VET courses is available at ‘[|VCE VET program index].’; students may negotiate to participate in any of these courses with limitations only on their ability to manage transport and cost.

Aim High feels that it is vitally important for a sound working relationship with training providers (e.g. TAFE, Group Training Companies), some key issues are: Partnerships in the delivery of VET in the VCE programs are very important for student success and sense of purpose. Liaison between providers on administrative and curriculum matters will help to ensure student success and effective preparation for employment or further study in the area. Aim High will undertake that, where possible:
 * student understanding of different curriculum and work expectations;
 * liaison with RTOs and understanding the connections between VET and VCE curriculum
 * VET programs are equally valued in the school and on the timetable.
 * Career advice and counseling is provided to students so that they can identify the potential in VET pathways.
 * Avoid mere addition of VET in schools programs on top of full VCE commitments.
 * Explore ways of providing release from school for training.
 * Explore ways of involving staff in professional development programs, for example, DET managed training for teachers of VET programs, local action learning, links with other schools and networks, TRIP teachers, links with industry.
 * Ensure information is available for parents.
 * Ensure that communication links with employers and training institutions are easily accessible and efficient.
 * Help staff to understand the objectives and methodology of VET programs in the school.
 * Help teachers become familiar with competency based training delivery and assessment.
 * Ensure that claims for student achievement of VET learning outcomes and competencies are substantiated.
 * Develop strategies for evaluation of programs to help with future developments.

Whether a student uses VET to compliment their VCE or VCAL studies or to build connections and develop experience in a vocational capacity Aim High will support their students’ growing ability to maximise their individual success.