As part of your QCE, you are now able to study courses that not only contribute towards your QCE, but also give you an industry recognised qualification when you complete that course.
The courses are called Vocational Courses and can be studied at school or through TAFE through the TAFE delivered VET in Schools program.
These Vocational courses form part of the Australian Qualifications Framework. This is the national standard of training and means that a qualification you receive here, is recognised anywhere in Australia. The courses are also 'Competency Based' - this means that you move through the course and achieve the relevant qualification by demonstrating that you have the knowledge and can perform the skills required for that qualification. So, the faster you can learn and demonstrate these, the quicker you can complete the qualification.
As well as counting towards your QCE, they also give you an industry recognised qualification (usually at Certificate I or Certificate II level).
There are courses available in the areas of:
See Julie Zardani (ILO) if you are interested in studying any of these courses and she will tell you what you have to do. She can also let you know what other courses might be available.
The fantastic thing about all these courses is that not only do they contribute towards your QCE, but you will also gain an nationally recognised industry qualification. This means that if you choose to go to TAFE when you leave school, and continue your study in that same area, you will be deemed to have completed part of that TAFE course already (you did it while still at school!).
Not only that, but employers see that qualification as being very valuable and it can really help you with getting a job.
School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships
The VET courses can also form part of a School Based Traineeship or Apprenticeship. School Based Apprenticeships allow senior high school students to commence an apprenticeship while at school. While studying for their QCE, school based apprentices work part-time and undertake the first stage of their formal or off-the-job apprenticeship training. For information on School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships see Julie Zardani.