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VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS)

If you wish to undertake Vocational Education and Training while still in school, please contact your school's VET Coordinator. 

The VET Delivered to Secondary Students program enables students to undertake VET training as part of their senior secondary education. The VET Delivered to Secondary Students program at NR TAFE is available to all high school students in the Kimberley and Pilbara who would like to gain a qualification while they are at school. Students in years 11 and 12 can complete courses while working towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Select your course

VETDSS offers various courses for secondary students, specifically chosen to provide clear career pathways after secondary school.

The latest VETDSS Student Guide provides an overview of all the courses offered:

How to enrol in a VETDSS Qualification

  1. Students must be enrolled and attending high school to enrol in the VETDSS program, and be in either year 10, 11 or 12.
  2. Make an appointment to speak to your school’s VET Coordinator about what VETDSS Qualifications are available to senior students at your school.
  3. Discuss career goals with your parents/caregivers and teachers, then advise your VET Coordinator of your preferences.
  4. Apply to your school to secure a place.

Please remember that places are limited in the VETDSS program

  • Your SCSA (School Curriculum & Standards Authority) number. This can be found on your school report or you can speak with your VET Coordinator at school.
  •  Your Unique Student Identifier (USI) number. If you do not already have a USI, please visit usi.gov.au.
  • Parent/guardian details and an emergency contact.

Vocational Education and Training offers industry experience and skills that can be transferred into the workplace or articulated into further study. Parents and caregivers can help their child’s decision making by following these steps:

Step 1: Discuss with their child’s career aspirations for when they leave school, and help them to determine the subjects that will best help them achieve these aspirations. 
Step 2: Speak with the school's VET coordinator to identify the VET options available in their region and the requirements involved to help their child make an informed decision.

Should parents have any questions regarding the VET delivered to secondary students pathway, they should contact their child’s school VET coordinator, or contact NR TAFE to discuss the qualifications offered

NR TAFE is committed to helping students reach their career and study goals by providing a range of support services.

NR TAFE’s Disability Support Coordinator can provide information and advice and arrange individual study support with students.

Students under the VETDSS program will have the additional support of their School VET Coordinator and NR TAFE’s School Delivery Coordinators whilst studying.

Contact information 

VETDSS@nrtafe.wa.edu.au

Aboriginal School Based Training

Aboriginal School Based Training (ASBT) provides opportunities for Aboriginal students in years 10 – 12 to gain a VET qualification. Students learn about the world of work, workplace expectations, explore careers and training areas, as well as undertake real or simulated work projects. The training is specifically designed to be engaging and encourages students to go into further training, a traineeship or employment. Schools need to apply for placements under ASBT through their school sector representative.

School based traineeships/apprenticeships

NR TAFE offers programs whereby students can start as a trainee or apprentice while still at school. School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are paid employment-based training arrangements formalised in a National Training Contract made between the employer and the student (and guardian). School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships are available as part of the VET delivered to secondary schools program.

Students will undertake a variety of study at school, training with NR TAFE and will be contracted to work and train with an employer. This gives students the chance to complete the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification, while still graduating from school with their WACE.

Students undertaking a School Based Traineeship or Apprenticeship under the VET delivered to schools program with NR TAFE are exempt from tuition, resource and enrolment fees. Depending on the qualification, students may be required to purchase personal protective equipment and/or text books.

It is vital for the success of a school based trainee or apprentice (SBA/T) to ensure that the student is well matched to the employment based training opportunity. Students need to consider what their interests, aspirations and abilities are, and to share these with their guardians and school. These should be then matched to the employer’s capacity to provide work based training that is complementary and appropriate to those interests, aspirations and ability, as well as to the requirements of the SBA/T qualification.

Students or the school may approach an employer to discuss the possibility of setting up a SBA/T, or alternatively a Group Training Organisation may be utilised to help find an employer. There are many stakeholders involved in a SBA/T, including the student, their guardians, the school, the employer and the RTO (TAFE). Please refer to the Department of Workforce Training and Development (DTWD) website(opens in a new tab) for more information on SBA/Ts.

Pre-Apprenticeships in School (PAIS) is made up of Certificate II programs that have been nominated by Western Australian training councils as valid pathways from school to related apprenticeships. Students attend school, train at TAFE and are linked to an employer for work placement or undertake simulated work placement. Students must complete a work placement as nominated in the preapprenticeship program.

Important information about your enrolment

  • Training is available to students in years 11 and 12
  • Places are limited
  • All training courses are nationally recognised and comply with strict quality standards
  • VET delivered to secondary students training can be delivered at school, on one of our campuses, work-shops or simulated work environments

Secondary school students enrolled in the VETDSS program are exempt from tuition, resource and enrolment fees. However, depending on the Qualification, students may be required to purchase personal protective equipment and/or textbooks.

Some courses may involve workplace experience to support the learning program. Students will be advised by their lecturer if this is the case, and in some instances, it is the responsibility of the student or the school to organise work experience.

Life after your VETDSS journey and high school

What happens after VETDSS and high school? Explore your options and where to get further help below.

Beyond VETDSS

The vocational training you've undertaken at TAFE while at high school will benefit you greatly once you graduate or leave school. Your nationally accredited VETDSS units serve as a foundation for numerous study pathways at NR TAFE and other educational institutions.

Start exploring your options by checking out our Course Guide (9 MB) (PDF document).

 

Beyond high school

Explore your options! This could include but it not limited to:

Our Jobs and Skills Prospective Student Advisors are here to help you explore industry requirements and exciting opportunities.

Transitioning from high school to TAFE

At NR TAFE we offer a variety of foundation courses designed to support the transition between secondary education and further studies and starting out in the workforce.

If you're under 18 years old when leaving school, please register your parent/guardian's contact information with us to ensure we can fulfill our duty of care to you.