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How vocational education and training fits into Year 11 and 12

All you need to know about VET, the skills you’ll get, and where it can take you.

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About VET

Vocational education training (VET) is specific industry learning.

The skills you learn in VET can be applied in the workplace or as you keep studying towards a trade or qualification.

You can add VET to your studies while you’re in Year 11 or 12. Some schools let students start VET in Year 10.

VET can be included in your:

Depending on the VET course, you’ll either study at your school or at a nearby TAFE/training provider.

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Where it can take you

VET helps you get started on your career path while you’re still at school.

It gives you practical skills in an industry you are interested in, which improves your employability.

VET also gives you credit towards completion of your VCE (which could be the VCE VM) or VPC.

Some VET programs provide a score that contributes to your ATAR, if you’re eligible for one. A student who achieves a Unit 3–4 sequence from a non-scored VCE VET program may be eligible for an increment towards their ATAR.

Earn and learn with an SBAT

Some VET options are available as a paid school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) while you do the VCE, VCE VM or VPC.

This option allows you to learn on-the-job as a part-time employee, while earning a training wage and working alongside qualified professionals. Many SBAT students continue employment as a full-time apprentice or trainee after finishing year 12.

To find out more about this option, visit School-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Your VET options

More and more schools are offering VET in the priority pathways listed below. Check with your school’s careers counsellor to find out what options are available at your school.

Some of the certificates listed below have scored pathways available and Unit 3 and 4 sequences available. VET options where these apply have been marked with:

Building and Construction

These certificates are in the VCE VET Building and Construction, Plumbing or Civil Infrastructure programs.

Community Services and Early Childhood Education

These certificates are in the VCE VET Community Services.

Hospitality, Events and Tourism

These certificates are in the VCE VET Hospitality or Events and Tourism program.

Digital Technologies

These certificates are in the VCE VET Integrated Technologies, Information and Communications Technology or Cisco programs.

Renewable Energy and Engineering

These certificates are in the VCE VET Engineering or Electrical Industry programs.

Health

These certificates are in the VCE VET Health program.

Agriculture and Environment

These certificates are in the VCE VET Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Ecosystem Management program.

Animal Care

These certificates are in the VCE VET Animal Care or Equine Studies programs.

Automotive

This certificate is in the VCE VET Automotive program.

Business

These certificates are in the VCE VET Business, Small Business or Applied Language programs.

Creative Industries

These certificates are in the VCE VET Creative and Digital Media, Dance, Music or Visual Arts programs.

Design and Manufacturing

These certificates are in the VCE VET Applied Fashion Design and Textiles, Furnishing, or Laboratory Skills programs.

Salon Services and Cosmetics

These certificates are in the VCE VET Salon Services and Cosmetics program.

Sport and Recreation

These certificates are in the VCE VET Sport and Recreation program.

More information

Talk to your school’s careers counsellor to find out which of these options might be best for you.

To find out more about VET, visit the VCAA’s website.

To find out more about where VET can take you and hear from other students who have completed it, visit VET Champions.

Education & training

Updated 26 March 2026

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