Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary School Students (VDSS) is designed to expand opportunities and pathways for senior secondary students, and improve post compulsory educational outcomes as well as address the employment needs of industry in Victoria.
VDSS is competency based and requires successfully completing units of competency over a defined period of time. On successful completion of a VDSS course, a stand-alone industry recognised certificate, or Statement of Attainment is awarded to the student.
Students who would like to undertake a VDSS course can begin it in Year 10 or Year 11. VCE VET studies are fully recognised within the Units 1 to 4 structure of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and therefore contribute towards satisfactory completion of the VCE.
- VCE VET units have equal status with other VCE studies
- VCE VET studies contribute to the student’s ATAR.
More information can be found by visiting https://www.vic.gov.au/vet-at-school or https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vet/vce-vet-programs/Pages/Index.aspx
Most VDSS courses are undertaken over a two year period and are regularly reviewed and amended to ensure that they are up to date with changing industry and training standards.
Apprenticeships and traineeships at school
Your VCE or VCE Vocational Major can also include an apprenticeship or traineeship. Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship while at school means you can get paid on-the-job training that leads to a qualification. School-based apprenticeships and traineeships give you the confidence and vocational skills that employers need.
VET Increases Students’ Learning Potential
- Broadens VCE/ VCE-VM options.
- Develops the student’s capacity to make decisions and solve problems.
- Helps students to gain confidence and improve communication and interpersonal skills through learning in an adult environment.
- Matches student interest and career directions through the provision of strong pathways.
VET Gives National Qualifications and Skills
- Upon successful completion of a course, students may be awarded a nationally accredited vocational training certificate.
- VET qualification articulates directly into further education and training at TAFE, e.g., 22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship, provides students with a pre apprenticeship in this industry area.
VET Prepares Students For The Workforce
- Expands post school opportunities.
- Provides the opportunity to trial a career.
- Helps students explore possible areas of interest, which promote further study and work choices.
- Allows students to develop strong links with industry and local community employers. Students may be offered part time or casual work.
- Improves employment prospects.
- Helps students gain knowledge of employer’s expectations and real working conditions.
- Develops student’s capacity for co-operation, teamwork and leadership skill development.
- Assists the transition from school to work.
All VDSS staff at Hallam Secondary College are industry experts with currency in their respective course areas. This enables staff to enhance each student’s skills and knowledge and the application of their skills and knowledge in a simulated work environment.
We support structured workplace learning and work experience for VDSS students. Many VDSS students are offered apprenticeships because of completing a work placement.
It is recommended that all prospective VDSS students review the GET VET resources before enrolling into a course. This will assist you to make an informed decision. https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/studentguides/getvet/Pages/Resources.aspx