Vocational Learning

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 Courses

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

Students who are committed to pursuing further VET study, an apprenticeship or work directly after school may elect to study Year 12 in our Vocationally Focussed Pathway. This programme sees students complete their SACE through VET learning or a school based apprenticeship, Stage 2 subjects which support their pathway directly and the subject Work and the Community. This subject offers students the chance to earn 20 SACE credits by building on the learning they are doing in a work or vocational learning setting. It is not a Tertiary Admissions subject, so this pathway is 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.