5.2.1 Offering VET pathways to students
VET provides pathways for all students, particularly those seeking further education and training, and those seeking employment-specific skills. Students should consider VET when developing their senior education and training (SET) Plan or equivalent. This planning helps students structure their learning around their abilities, interests and ambitions, and map out what, where and how they will study during their senior schooling.
The benefits VET offers to students include:
- development of work-related skills that enhance employability
- access to learning opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum, including work-based learning
- competency-based assessment that meets industry standards
- pathways to further training, education and tertiary learning.
Schools may offer VET pathways for students through:
- the school if it is an RTO (see Section 5.3: VET procedures for school RTOs)
- arrangements with external providers.
There are different arrangement models for schools and external providers. Schools are encouraged to access information about choosing the right provider and arrangement models via the Student guide on the Department of Trade, Employment and Training website. For more information about offering VET pathways for students, schools should email QCAA at vet@qcaa.qld.edu.au.
5.2.2 School-based apprenticeship or traineeship
A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is organised in partnership with the student, parent/carer, school, employer and RTO. It is the RTO that is responsible for recording student information.
A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship that is not completed by the end of Year 12 may convert to a full-time or part-time apprenticeship or traineeship through formal contract negotiations with the student, RTO and employer.
The Department of Trade, Employment and Training website provides further information about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships on its website at https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/apprentices.
5.2.3 VET and the QCAA
The QCAA fulfils the following roles in VET:
- supports schools by providing educational advice and guidance about nationally recognised training products and VET contribution to the QCE
- acts as delegate for ASQA to register schools as RTOs for the delivery and assessment of nationally recognised training products up to AQF Certificate level IV — excluding qualifications declared as an apprenticeship in Queensland and restricted to students enrolled in Years 10, 11 and 12
- acts as delegate for ASQA to conduct performance assessment reviews (PARs) to confirm a school RTO’s compliance with the VQF.
The QCAA continually revises and updates information about VET programs, and provides further information about VET and support resources for schools via the VET application in the QCAA Portal.
