Vocational Learning

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Vocational Learning

For SACE students who are interested in pursuing future pathways with specialised skills not offered through SACE subjects, vocational learning provides an opportunity to undertake this learning while at school. Vocational Education and Training (VET) is education and training that gives students skills for work, particularly in the trades and industry.

VET as a Year 11 or Year 12 subject

VET courses are delivered subject to the Australian Quality Training Framework. This means that courses are recognised by Registered Training Organisations, including TAFE, across the country. VET courses studied at a Certificate II level allow students to earn Stage 1 credits and courses at a Certificate III or higher attract Stage 2 credits towards their SACE.

VET courses are competency based; this means that most tasks and assessment are very hands on and practical in nature. Courses can be found to suit the interests of most students. A list of VET course recently studied by PAC students is below.

Agriculture
Automotive
Business Services
Carpentry
Construction
Electrotechnology
Engineering - Metal fabrication
Fitness
Kitchen Operations
Support Services
Technology

When courses require regular attendance during the school day, students may replace one SACE subject at Stage 1 in Year 11 or Stage 2 in Year 12. Students will be allocated time in the days they are at school to study VET coursework as well as catch up on learning they have missed in their SACE subjects.

Typical pathways for VET study in the trades are:

Vocationally Focussed Pathway

Some students know they are not interested in university study after finishing their secondary education. For young men who are committed to pursuing an apprenticeship or work directly after school we offer a tailored Year 12 option - the Vocationally Focussed Pathway. This programme can see students complete their SACE through VET learning or a school-based apprenticeship, alongside Stage 2 subjects which support their pathway directly and a subject which supports some work experience.For students who want to explore further before committing to a specific trade apprenticeship or work via a traineeship, subjects which link to Stage 2 subjects but are assessed via the Community Connections subject framework may be included in this pathway. Because these are not Tertiary Admissions subjects, this pathway is only suitable for students who are not seeking an ATAR.

Information sessions regarding the Vocationally Focussed Pathway are offered to students in Term 3 of Year 11.

For more information about VET courses, please contact Frank Palladino, VET Coordinator via email at fpalladino@pac.edu.au.

For more information about completing SACE via the Vocationally Focussed Pathway, please contact Lisa Roe, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning : SACE via email at lroe@pac.edu.au.

Certificate III in Sport Coaching

From 2027, Prince Alfred College will be offering a Certificate III in Sport Coaching (SIS30521) onsite as part of the Year 10 elective subjects program. This is a nationally recognised vocational qualification which equips students to coach and officiate sports up to an intermediate level. This qualification provides a pathway to work in community coaching roles working or volunteering at community-based sport clubs and organisations in the Australian sport industry. It may be beneficial for students interested in serving in coaching roles of the college’s junior teams in the future.

The course will be taught by teachers from the Health and Physical Education faculty who have been accredited as trainers. There will be online study components and may be some after school commitment required for the assessment practical competencies. A Certificate III is considered equivalent challenge and workload as a Year 12 subject.

The cost of this Certificate III for PAC students will be $1525 in 2027.

Students entering Year 10 2027 who are interested in the Certificate III in Sport Coaching are invited to indicate this via Web Preferences. Information regarding specific topics and after school commitments will be communicated during Term 3.

A Certificate III is not recommended for students who plan to undertake tertiary study via the University Programs, or an IBDP subject as part of their Year 12 pattern of SACE study.