What is VET?
Vocational Education and Training is for Year 10 -12 students who want to develop work-related knowledge and skills. VET can be completed in two different ways:
- Stand-alone VET qualifications delivered by schools, TAFE or private providers;
- School-based traineeships and apprenticeships (SATs) allow students to work for an employer and train towards a recognised qualification while completing their school studies. This will typically involve one day per school week off campus for students. If the SAT is not completed by the end of Year 12, students may convert to a full-time or part-time traineeship or a full-time apprenticeship.
- Successfully completed VET courses will earn credit points that contribute towards a student’s Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
External Certificate Courses
Senior students may enrol in certificate courses at various Institutes of TAFE or other RTO’s. There are one- and two-year courses which start at the beginning of Year 11 (with some offering mid-year intakes). The student’s timetable may be adjusted to five subjects to help them complete their study obligations.
Students who are interested in certificate training need to:
- Commit to completing the program
- Pay all course costs directly to the training organisation
- Arrange their own transport to and from the external training organisation
School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SAT’s)
Students can enrol in a Certificate II or III study program as a trainee or apprentice in an area of interest to them. This usually involves attending one day of paid work per week and completing the appropriate training. The student’s timetable may be adjusted to five subjects to help them complete their study obligations.
A SAT represents one of the student’s six subjects. Most training takes between 1-2 years to complete. Assessment is competency based. Once competency in a unit is demonstrated students move onto the next unit.
SAT’s are not automatic for all who want them – it is a competitive market and students will need to ensure that their school performance positions them to be competitive. Students interested in SAT’s should first seek advice from the Head of Senior Schooling.
VET Courses on offer at Wavell SHS
Wavell SHS is an RTO (RTO#304551) that offers a range of courses for students to complete at school. We also deliver courses in partnership with TAFE and private providers at the school. Students complete these subjects during standard class time as a subject. Additional hours may need to be completed as part of work placement for a course. Courses on offer for the year can be found in the current Curriculum Guide.
VET Complaints and Appeals Procedures
Wavell State High School, as an RTO, has a complaints and appeals policy specific to its RTO operations. This is available on the school’s intranet.
A complaint can be made to the school RTO regarding the conduct of:
- the school RTO, its trainers, assessors or other school RTO staff
- students of the RTO
- any third parties providing services on behalf of the school RTO (if relevant).
- An appeal can be made to the school RTO to request a review of a decision, including assessment decisions.
The school RTO will ensure that the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are adopted at every stage of the complaints and appeals process. All formal complaints and appeals will be heard and decided on within 60 calendar days of receiving the written complaint or appeal.
If the school RTO considers more than 60 calendar days are required to process and finalise the complaint or appeal, the complainant or appellant will be informed of the reasons in writing and will be regularly updated on the progress of the matter.
If the processes fail to resolve the complaint or appeal, a review by an independent party will be provided if requested.
Complaints or appeals should be directed to the Principal as CEO of the school RTO:
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
The Unique Student Identifier or USI is a reference number made up of 10 numbers and letters that:
- creates a secure online record of your recognised training and qualifications gained in Australia, even from different training organisations
- will give you access to your training records and transcripts
- can be accessed online, anytime and anywhere
- is free and easy to create and
- stays with you for life
If you are a new or continuing student undertaking nationally recognised training, you need a USI in order to receive your qualification or statement of attainment. If you don't have a USI you will not receive your qualification or statement of attainment.
Your USI will give you access to an online record of the training you have done since 1 January 2015. You will also be able to produce a comprehensive transcript of your training. This can be used when applying for a job, seeking a credit transfer or demonstrating pre-requisites when undertaking further training.
In order to create a USI, you must verify your identify using one of the following forms of identification:
- Australian Passport
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian Driver’s Licence
- Medicate Card
- Certificate of Registration By Descent
- Citizenship Certificate
- ImmiCard
All students are required to apply for their own USI number. Link available through student intranet or at www.usi.gov.au External link
One you have created a USI number you must provide the school with a copy. Email your USI number to
usi@wavellshs.eq.edu.au Feedback
To ensure continuous improvement, students will be asked to provide feedback either verbally or through anonymous surveys.
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