VET Pathways

Vocational Education and Training (better known as VET), is a national system designed to skill workers to work in particular industries.

At Grace, students can integrate work experience, university study, apprenticeships or Vocational Education and Training (VET) into their high school studies. Some qualifications are offered as school subjects and are offered as part of the students’ timetables. Other are offered off-line or off campus at TAFE or a private provider. Many provide on-the-job training and practical experience.

Students may choose to complete a school-based traineeship or commence a school-based apprenticeship in Year 10, 11 and 12. This may come with part-time work or paid employment.

Many student courses, certificates and work experience can lead to higher levels in vocational training, tertiary study or into trainee-ships and apprenticeships. Students can also accurate points towards a QCE with vocational training and Career-based studies. 

Thanks to Federal Government funding, Grace recently built the at the Rothwell campus to help address local skills shortages in the trades of cabinetmaking, carpentry, general construction, engineering and metal fabrication. This facility allows students to learn a trade and gain qualifications while completing their high school studies.

“VET has helped me out so much because I was thinking of leaving school at the end of Year 10, I didn’t see the point of getting an OP when I did not need one. But I soon realised that more and more employers are looking for a QCE on your resume. I chose the option of the (vocational training) program and I have loved, and still love, every minute of my TAFE beauty course.”
-Aleta, Yr 12 Student

Why choose a VET Pathway?

There are many reasons to choose a VET pathway at , including:

  • if you want to enter a trade (eg plumber, chef)
  • if you are not sure about university
  • if you are struggling with academic subjects
  • if you want to get started in the area that you are passionate about
  • if you want a fallback option in case you don’t get the OP/ATAR you need.

A VET pathway offers:

  • Points towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). For example, a Certificate III equates to 6-8 points
  • Nationally recognised qualifications and trades
  • The ability to still get into University as a Certificate III, IV or Diploma can be converted to a ranking equivalent to an OP of 15 or better.

VET in school courses are available one day per week through TAFE Colleges and private training providers.

SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINEESHIPS (SATs)

School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are also available. Students completing a SAT are employed one school day per week, with weekend and holiday work. The training provider covers the theory and the practical portion is undertaken in the workplace. Our students find the benefits of a SAT include:

  • An early start on a career path
  • Earning money while learning
  • Points towards QCE

There are a wide variety of courses and apprenticeships available. Please follow the links below for more information:

Our vocational education and training program has illuminated the possibilities for many of our students.

Additional Information

For more information on Vocational Education and Training in Queensland, please visit the following websites:

Want to learn more?