Vocational education and training (VET) provides pathways for students seeking further education, training, apprenticeships, traineeships, or employment-specific skills. VET allows students to develop practical, industry-aligned skills while still completing their secondary schooling.
Benefits of VET
VET offers a range of benefits for young people, including:
- developing work-related skills that support future employment
- accessing learning opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum
- participating in practical, work-based and industry-focused learning
- being assessed against national industry standards
- earning credits towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), where eligible.
VET at Highfields State Secondary College
VET courses available for study at Highfields State Secondary College lead to nationally recognised qualifications, such as a certificate or statement of attainment. These qualifications are recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework.
When students successfully complete competencies in a VET course, these may be recorded in their learning account and may contribute towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). VET can also support future study, training, apprenticeship, traineeship, and employment opportunities.
Courses delivered at the College
In Years 11 and 12, students may be able to study selected VET courses as part of their regular timetable when delivered by College staff.
| Certificate III in Fitness | Year 12 | 8 QCE points |
| Certificate II in Outdoor Education | Years 11 and/or 12 | 4 QCE points |
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Students require a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before enrolling in a VET course, whether the course is delivered through Highfields State Secondary College or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
The process for applying for a USI will be explained to students during Year 10.
Competency-based assessment
VET courses use competency-based assessment. This means students must demonstrate that they can consistently apply the required knowledge and skills to the standard expected in the workplace.
Students must also show that they can transfer and apply their skills and knowledge to new situations and environments.
In many VET subjects, assessment tasks are completed at different points throughout the year. Student progress is recorded on a student profile sheet, or similar document, using terms such as:
- Satisfactory
- Unsatisfactory
- Working towards competence
Final records of assessment for competencies are awarded as:
- C – Competent
- NYC – Not Yet Competent
External VET and training options
Students may also choose to participate in external training programs while at school. These may be delivered by TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation.
Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss vocational options with the College before enrolling in an external VET course.
To discuss VET options, please contact Mrs Beil, Head of Department – Vocational Education and Training, by making an appointment through the College office.
Important information about fees and funding
Some courses do not fall under the VET in Schools funding arrangements offered by the government. This means payment may be required when the student begins the course.
Families should be aware that TAFE and other RTOs may not provide refunds if a student decides they no longer wishes to participate in a course. The College is not involved in payments associated with externally delivered VET courses.
Duplication of learning
Students studying a Certificate II course should be aware that enrolling in a similar Applied subject in Years 11 and 12 may create a duplication of learning.
Where duplication occurs, either the Certificate II course or the Applied subject may not contribute credit towards the student’s QCE.
Students and families should discuss this during the Year 10 SET Plan interview or before enrolling in a Certificate II course during Years 11 and 12.
VET Student Handbook and enrolment forms
Students and families should refer to the VET Student Handbook and relevant enrolment forms for further information about available courses, expectations, fees, assessment, and enrolment requirements.