Vocational education and training (VET) provides pathways for all young people, particularly those seeking further education and training, and those seeking employment-specific skills. VET offers clear benefits to young people, including:
- The development of work-related skills, making young people more employable
- Access to learning opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum, including work-based learning
- Competency-based assessment that meets industry standards.
VET courses available for study at Highfields State Secondary College lead to nationally recognised qualifications – a certificate or a statement of attainment. Certificate courses offered are nationally registered and recognised courses within the Australian Qualifications Framework and competencies credited to the students are banked in their learning account to support their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and to enhance future study or employment opportunities.
College students successfully completing a Certificate course will be awarded credits towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
College students successfully completing a Certificate course in Year 11 and 12 will be awarded credits towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
In Year 11 and 12 students may study the courses below as part of their regular timetable due to them being delivered by college staff.
- Certificate III in Fitness (Year 12) – 8 QCE points
- Certificate II Outdoor Education – 4 QCE points
Students will require a Unique Student Identifier (USI) number prior to enrolling into a VET course either through Highfields State Secondary College or another RTO. The process for applying for a USI number will be detailed for students during Year 10.
VET courses employ competency based assessment. In order to be successful in gaining competency, students must demonstrate consistent application of knowledge and skill to the standard of performance required in the workplace. Students must be able to transfer and apply skills and knowledge to new situations and environments.
In most subjects assessment tasks are completed a number of times throughout the year. Results for each assessment item will be marked on a student profile sheet (or similar document) using terms such as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, or working towards competence. This assists students to become competent as their skills improve.
Final records of assessment of competencies will be awarded as either:
- C for Competent
- NYC for Not Yet Competent
Students may wish to participate in outside training programs whilst at school and the college welcomes parents and carers to discuss their student's vocational options with Mrs Beil – Head of Department Vocational Education and Training. Please make an appointment through the college office.
Students who study a certificate II course need to be aware that if they study a similar applied subject in year 11 and 12 that this may create a duplication of learning and that either the certificate II course or the applied subject may not contribute credit towards their QCE. This should be discussed in Year 10 at a SET Plan interview or upon enrolling in a certificate II course during Year 11 and 12.
Note: some courses do not fall under the VETis funding arrangements offered by the government and therefore payment is required on commencement of the course. TAFE/RTOs do not refund if a student decides they no longer want to participate in the course and the college is not involved in the payments associated with these courses.