Senior Pathways – VET (Vocational Education and Training)
Practical skills, real qualifications, real-world readiness
Vocational Education and Training (VET) gives students the chance to build practical, industry-relevant skills while completing their secondary schooling. At Assumption College, VET combines classroom learning, hands-on training, and real-world industry experience to prepare students for what comes next.
In Years 10 to 12, students can study VET subjects that contribute to their VCE, VCE VM, or VPC and can achieve a nationally recognised qualification when the course is complete. VET sits comfortably alongside each senior pathway, adding a practical, career-focused dimension to a student’s studies.
How VET courses are delivered
VET subjects may be studied onsite at Assumption College, in partnership with another school, or through an external Registered Training Organisation such as a TAFE. Every VET course forms part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the national standard for training, which means the qualification is recognised right across Australia.
VET courses are competency-based. Students achieve their qualification by demonstrating that they have the knowledge and can perform the skills to industry standard. Some VET courses include an exam and can contribute to a student’s ATAR; these are known as scored VET subjects. Others are unscored, so they are not calculated into the ATAR. Either way, students gain a meaningful, work-ready qualification while still at school.
Why choose a VET course?
VET is a highly engaging pathway for students who learn best by doing. It offers a practical alternative (or complement) to traditional academic study, and it suits students who want to explore an industry before committing to it after school.
Students often choose VET because it delivers:
Real-world, hands-on learning
Students get applied skills in areas like trades, business, and health, learning by doing rather than through theory alone.
A nationally recognised qualification
A nationally recognised Certificate or Statement of Attainment can be earned while still at school.
Improves employability
VET courses help students develop practical confidence and can give them a head start in their chosen field.
Early career exploration
VET courses allow students the chance to try out an industry and build clarity about future study or work while still at school.
Flexible pathways
VET can contribute to an ATAR in some programs and supports progression to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or employment.
What students learn
At Assumption College, VET is part of a broad and flexible pathways program designed to support every student’s goals. Students can access a wide range of VET courses both onsite and through partnerships with TAFE and external providers, giving them real choice in shaping a program around their interests.
Whether a student is drawn to trades, the arts, health, animal care, or business, there is likely a VET pathway to match. The courses below are available through the 2026 program, with locations noted for each.
VET courses delivered onsite at Assumption College
Animal Care – Certificate II
Cookery – Certificate II
Health Services Assistance – Certificate III
Music – Certificate III
Sport, Aquatics and Recreation – Certificate III
VET courses offered through TAFE and external partners
- Certificate III in Acting (Screen) — ACDA Wallan
- Certificate II in Agriculture — GOTAFE Shepparton, Melbourne Polytechnic Eden Park
- Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (Mechanical) — ACE Kangan Docklands, GOTAFE Seymour, Whittlesea Secondary College
- Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (Auto Body) — ACE Kangan Docklands
- Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) — Gawne Aviation Shepparton
- Certificate III in Beauty Services — GOTAFE Seymour, Masters Institute CBD, Victoria University CBD
- Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship — Kangan Broadmeadows, GOTAFE Seymour, Melbourne Polytechnic Epping
- Certificate II in Construction Pathways — Whittlesea Secondary College
- Certificate III in Business — Kangan Broadmeadows
- Certificate III in Community Services — GOTAFE Shepparton
- Certificate III in Dance — The Dance Factory Essendon, Bev Palmer Performing Arts South Morang
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Fashion or Interior) — Whitehouse CBD, Box Hill TAFE CBD, GOTAFE Shepparton
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care — GOTAFE Seymour, Melbourne Polytechnic Preston, Kangan Broadmeadows
- Certificate III in School Based Education Support — GOTAFE Shepparton
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational) — Kangan Broadmeadows, GOTAFE Shepparton, Melbourne Polytechnic Epping
- Certificate II in Engineering Studies — Kangan Broadmeadows, GOTAFE Seymour, Whittlesea Secondary College
- Certificate III in Equine Studies — Box Hill TAFE City, Crest Education (online and onsite practical days, Glenburn)
- Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance — Kangan Broadmeadows, Whittlesea Secondary College
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant — Masters Institute CBD, Victoria University CBD, Kangan Cremorne, GOTAFE Shepparton
- Certificate III in Information and Communications Technology — Kangan Broadmeadows, AIE CBD, GOTAFE Shepparton
- Certificate III in Make-Up — GOTAFE Shepparton
- Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) — GOTAFE Seymour, Melbourne Polytechnic Epping
- Certificate III in Screen and Media — AIE CBD, Box Hill TAFE CBD
- Certificate III in Visual Arts — AIE CBD
- Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles — Kangan Cremorne
How is VET different from VCE?
While VCE offers a more academic, theory-based approach, VET focuses on practical, hands-on learning in key industry areas.
| VET (Applied, Career-Focused Pathway) | VCE (Academic Pathway) |
|---|---|
| Practical, hands-on learning | More academic, theory-based |
| Industry-focused (e.g. trades, hospitality, health) | Subject-based (e.g. English, Maths, Sciences) |
| Leads to a national qualification | Leads to a secondary school certificate |
| Often includes workplace experience | No formal workplace requirement |
| Can contribute to ATAR (some courses) | Primary pathway to ATAR |
Where can VET lead?
Further study
- TAFE or higher-level VET qualifications
- University, through an ATAR or alternative entry pathways
Apprenticeships and traineeships
- School-based or post-school options
- A genuine headstart in trades and technical careers
Employment
- Job-ready skills straight out of school
- Experience that employers value immediately
How to Get Started
VET is a confident, practical pathway for students who want to gain real skills, a recognised qualification, and a head start in their chosen field. Our Pathways Team is here to help every family find the right course and plan a senior program with clarity.
If your student is interested in exploring a VET course, here’s how to take the next step:
- Book an appointment with our Pathways Team, who will explore the options together with parents and carers
- Attend a Parent Information Evening — sessions run throughout the year, so keep an eye out for communications from the College
- Contact the College directly for guidance, questions, or further support
Discover More Senior School Pathways
Our VET program is part of a broader senior school experience designed to help every student grow with purpose and confidence. Discover more pathways at Assumption College.
Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE)
The VCE is a two-year academic program recognised for entry to university, TAFE, and employment. It suits students seeking a strong academic foundation with a broad subject selection.