Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Vocational Education and Training is industry specific training providing students with national qualifications which are recognised in the SACE and can be obtained while the student is still at school.

Choosing a VET pathway doesn’t limit your options—it expands them. Whether you’re in a VET program or an academic one, the opportunities available to you are just as strong. In fact, many students who start in VET and go on to university find they have an advantage in the workforce. Employers often value the combination of hands-on experience and academic knowledge, which means you're ready to step into the workplace with confidence.

NASSSA school VET Leaders will announce when an expression of interest can be made by students for a particular course to be undertaken in the following year. Registering an EOI will hold a position in the chosen course, whilst students complete forms and evidence is collected prior to VETRO testing and course application.

VET Courses

Northern Adelaide State Secondary Schools Alliance coordinates an extensive number of courses in a wide range of industry areas on behalf of the schools in the region.

Course Details

VET Course Enrolment

Course Videos

Click the categories below to watch our Course Videos.

Hear from the Trainer

During National Careers Week in May, NASSSA, in collaboration with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and trainers, offers online 'Hear from the Trainer' sessions about courses currently running or intended to be run to following year.

Students interested in particular industry areas may register with their school VET Leaders to attend a session/s at school.

The session will begin with a short presentation by the NASSSA Director, who will explain Vocational Education and Training, including aspects such as accreditation and funding.

Course trainers then give an overview of the course, share where the course is currently delivered, pathways the course may lead to and explain or show what the course 'looks like'. Students are encouraged to ask questions.

Industry Immersions

NASSSA liaises with RTOs and industry partners on behalf of NASSSA schools to arrange a variety of industry immersions during weeks 4 - 10 in term 2.

Students are able to participate in a variety of experiences, which will assist them in making informed decisions about their future career pathway.

Sessions may include White Card training, Construction, Brick and Block, Plumbing, Automotive, Electrotechnology, First Aid training, Food Processing (Bakery), Engineering, Hospitality/Cookery, Screen and Media, Community Services, Information Technology, Resources and Infrastructure, Child Care, Health Services, Salon Assistant and Make-up.

Information about registering for these sessions will be shared by NASSSA school VET Leaders.

Work Experience

Work experience is a great way to explore and gain insight into industries, practical experience and can be used as evidence of research for enrolment into a VET course.

To get the most from a work experience placement:

• Make a good first impression – be punctual, dress appropriately and show enthusiasm.

• Pay attention and ask questions – listen carefully and clarify if unsure.

• Get involved – offer to help, take initiative and be open to all tasks.

• Ask for feedback – seek regular feedback to improve during your placement.

• Add it to your resume – to show transferable skills like reliability and teamwork.

See your school VET Leader to learn more about how to go about getting a placement. They will provide the Workplace Learning Agreement form to ensure you are covered by insurance.

Structured Workplace Learning for VET

Some vocational education and training (VET) courses require structured workplace learning to be completed. During placement, students are trained and assessed against the competencies of their VET qualification in the workplace. This is negotiated between the student, their Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and their school before placement.

WorkStart

Students undertaking work experience must first complete WorkStart, the WHS training course. The course helps you understand your rights and responsibilities and those of the employer in the workplace. To access the free course, you will need to log in to Plink, which is the online learning platform delivering WorkStart. This can be accessed through the student EdPass via single sign-on.

The course prepares students for workplace learning. Topics include how to stay safe, report hazards, rights and responsibilities and what to do if things aren’t right. 

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

If you study at university, TAFE or undertake other nationally recognised training, you will need a USI. Without one, you can't get Commonwealth financial assistance or your qualification or statement of attainment.

A USI is your individual education code is made up of 10 letters and numbers. You only need to create it once and you have it for life. It gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia. 

You can create your USI in the Student Portal, it takes less than 5 minutes and there is no minimum age requirement.

To create a USI, you will need to share details shown on a valid form of Australian identification to verify your identity, such as your Medicare Card, passport, birth certificate, Centrelink Concession card or driver’s licence. The personal details you enter must match those shown on your identification. Use the same verifiable identification document/s across your USI, tax file number and myGov account (see more information on the NASSSA Careers page).

There is help available on the USI website if you have any difficulty and will also give you direction to find your USI code if you’ve forgotten it.

SACE information

Students should work with the school VET leader or Subject counsellor to ensure that the VET course is mapped against your SACE completion plan.

When students complete a funded VET course through school, it is with the commitment and understanding that it contributes to SACE completion as well as providing Career Pathway learning and preparation.

If a student wishes to leave their options open to gain an ATAR for university entry, this also needs to be discussed and planned for through subject selection meetings.

Resources

The Good Universities Guide website offers information and guidance about VET.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Information about Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships can be found at the websites below. For further information, go to the NASSSA Careers web page.

Australian school-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow students to start working on an apprenticeship or traineeship from year 10. You will earn a wage, train with an employer, and work towards an accredited qualification while undertaking your South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).