VET courses are industry-based courses that are accredited as a certificate/part certificate in further education. VET courses and materials are developed with industry input and are designed to reflect industry training and skill requirements. Part of the assessment of students may take place in industry through structured work or vocational placements. Nationally accredited VET courses may be used to complete the SACE at Stage 1 and Stage 2. SACE has a VET Recognition Register on its website.

Generally, for every 70 nominal hours of VET units of competency achieved, students are awarded 10 units of SACE credit. Typically, Certificate I and Certificate II courses count VET credits as Stage 1 units. All Certificate III courses allow students to earn Stage 2 units. Tatachilla students selecting VET courses may study these at Tatachilla, TAFE, a Registered Training Organisation or a local school.

We offer internal VET courses delivered onsite including:

1. Doorways to Construction (Certificate I) – Wednesdays; subject to interview with Ms Wright.
2. Creative Industries (Certificate II) (3D Game Animation) – runs online during weekly classes selected as elective subject full year.
3. Fitness (Certificate III) (Group Exercise Instructor) - Wednesdays; subject to interview with Ms Wright.
4. Christian Ministry and Theology (Certificate III) - subject to interview with Ms Wright and Mr Wildman.
5. Conservation and Land Management (Certificate II and III) – Wednesdays; subject to interview with Ms Wright.

View further information about these courses >

Please note:

• Students who are interested in enrolling in VET courses must complete a full subject selection initially.
• All costs associated with VET courses must be paid in full before students are enrolled in the course. Costs for VET courses are funded by parents, as an add-on to school tuition fees.
• Subjects can only run where student numbers and staffing deem them viable.

In addition, students and families can access external VET courses with TAFE and private providers. An interview with Linda Wright, our VET Coordinator can be made when you are ready, prior to subject counselling interviews if you wish, to explore access and enrolment to these courses. Linda will also explain to you the new VETRO process (numeracy and literacy testing) facilitating student access to government subsidised courses. VETRO replaces the TGGS process previously administered by the government.

Most Tatachilla students who are looking to undertake a VET program, will do so in Year 11 or Year 12. VET courses can be a valuable part of a student’s secondary education, but they are not the best option for all students. It is important for both students and parents to carefully consider the reasons for undertaking a VET course whilst at school, and research the requirements, so that informed decisions can be made. Please be aware that many VET programs have a compulsory work experience component.

Our experience is that successful participation in, and completion of, a VET course is more likely if:

• Students have an interest in the particular career/industry area they are studying.
• Students have a level of maturity and independence that would accommodate a more adult style of learning and training. Evidence of managing part time work, or other related responsibilities, would be relevant.
• Competent literacy and numeracy skills are essential components of the work environment and students will need to be able to demonstrate an appropriate skill level in both.

External VET programs operate with a lower level of direct supervision of students than if they were in a classroom, and therefore relies on students to be responsible and to manage their time well. This is why a separate interview with Ms Wright is critical and a recommendation be made to the Principal.

There are a range of courses available to students wishing to pursue external provider VET options, including (but not limited to):

• Aged Care
• Animal Studies
• Automotive
• Beauty Services
• Business
• Childcare
• Construction
• Electrical
• Fitness
• Hospitality
• Photography
• Plumbing

Involvement in a VET course is not likely to affect university entrance selection. However, if students choose to continue a VET pathway into Year 12, this may affect university entry directly from Year 12. If a student wants their VET subject to contribute towards their ATAR, they must satisfactorily complete a Certificate III or higher qualification as set out in the SACE VET Recognition Register on the SACE website.

For further information about VET at Tatachilla, please contact Ms Linda Wright e: linda.wright@tatachilla.sa.edu.au