Vocational Educational and Training (VET) in Australia- An Overview
Vocational Educational and Training (VET) is a part of tertiary education and training system in Australia providing accredited and nationally recognised qualifications in job related and technical skills. It provides courses covering a large number of careers & industries like traditional trades & office work, creative arts, retail, hospitality and technology.
VET courses are governed by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). This ensures that all VET providers work together to provide nationally consistent training across Australia.
To study Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in Australia as an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa.
Some jobs in Australia may require people to undertake specific VET qualifications as a part of their jobs in addition to their other tertiary qualifications. Many people with university qualifications, such as degrees, also undertake VET to obtain specific skills and gain competitive edge.
VET and Higher Education
VET is not an alternative for a university degree. Traditionally, VET courses are known provide practical and work-orientated occupational skills, whereas university or higher education courses are better known for focusing on providing theory-based knowledge and professional career paths.
The flexibility of the VET system lies in the fact that it enables the study one or two subjects for trainees to gain or upgrade specific skills, without necessarily completing a full qualification. VET courses may also help certain individuals to move to a different career.
Vocational education Fileds of Study
Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia offers a wide range of fields of study to cater to various career paths and industry needs. Here are some major fields of study available in VET courses:
- Information Technology (IT): Including cyber security and computing.
- Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality: Preparing students for roles in the travel and hospitality industry.
- Business, Accounting, Management, and Entrepreneurship: Covering essential business skills and knowledge.
- Engineering, Automation, and Technology: Focusing on technical and engineering skills.
- Architecture, Planning, Building, and Construction: Training for careers in construction and related fields.
- Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agritech: Providing skills for the agricultural sector.
- Legal Studies: Preparing students for roles such as paralegals.
- Automotive: Training for careers in the automotive industry.
- Health, Medicine, Psychology, and Laboratory Sciences: Covering various health-related fields.
- Creative Industries, Fashion, and Design: Focusing on creative and design skills.
These courses are designed and taught by industry experts to ensure that graduates are job-ready with the skills employers need
Who Provides VET
The VET Sector in Australia’s is modeled on a partnership between governments and industry and its qualifications are provided by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) like technical and futher education (TAFE) institutes, adult and community education providers, private institutions, community organisations and industry skill centres. Some universities may also offer VET courses in addition to higher education courses. (Dual sector universities offer VET and higher education programs)
RTOs that wish to offer courses to international students must also register with the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
VET provides multiple options when it comes to the mode of delivering its courses. Students can opt for a traditional classroom setting, in the workplace, on the internet, by correspondence and in community venues. Some courses, however, may have certain restrictions in this regards.
Most VET courses follow the same curriculum wherever you study them, so you can transfer your credits to an identical program at a different organisation.
VET Fees
VET course fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand Australian dollars per year. For example, a basic certificate might cost around AUD 100, while an Advanced Diploma could cost approximately AUD 3,400 upwards.
The exact cost depends on the level of the course (e.g., Certificate I-IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma) and the field of study and some VET courses are eligible for government funding, which can significantly reduce the cost. This includes programs like Free TAFE for Priority Courses in certain states.
Besides tuition, there may be additional costs such as materials, textbooks, and equipment required for the course
Eligible students can apply for VET Student Loans, which help cover the cost of tuition fees. These loans are repaid through the tax system once the student’s income reaches a certain threshold. More details – VET Student Loans – Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government
Qualifications Offered
Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications are structured under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Here are the main levels of VET qualifications:
- Certificate I: Duration: 4 to 6 months. Career outcome: Competent operator.
- Certificate II: Duration: About 1 year. Career outcome: Advanced operator.
- Certificate III: Duration: About 1 year. Career outcome: Qualified tradesperson or technician.
- Certificate IV: Duration: 12 to 18 months. Career outcome: Supervisor.
- Diploma: Duration: 18 to 24 months. Career outcome: Paraprofessional.
- Advanced Diploma: Duration: 24 to 36 months. Career outcome: Junior manager.
Certificates I and II provide students with basic introductory vocational skills and knowledge, preparing them for employment such as florists, factory hands, sales assistants or bank officers.
Certificates III and IV prepare individuals for roles like animal attendants, beauty therapists, plumbers, accounts clerks, professional builders, graphic designers and systems analysts. The course length may vary in length from six months to two years.
VET Diplomas prepare students for industry, enterprise and paraprofessional careers. Diplomas typically require one to two years of full-time study.
An advanced diploma provides higher level of practical skills for advanced jobs in areas such as accounting, building design and engineering. Students can complete some advanced diploma courses at university level. Advanced diplomas vary in length from 1.5 to two years of full-time study.
VET also provides basic skills training for social and community participation, such as English language training for migrants or students applying for higher education which range in length from around four to 48 weeks.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are a notable feature of Australia’s VET system. They bring together training and employment under a legal contract between the apprentices and trainees, training providers (such as TAFE) and employers. Apprentices and trainees may receive a training wage which increases as they progress. In some cases, group training organisations employ the apprentice or trainee and place them with a suitable employer.
The Australian Government maintains a database on vocational education and training in Australia including all RTOs. The data base can be searched at http://training.gov.au