Stage 6 vocational education and training (VET) courses offered at Blakehurst High School
- business services
- construction
- hospitality food and beverage
- sport coaching.
Please note: information is current at the date of publication. However, due to possible changes as a result of training packages and NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) updates, there may be variations to a course description prior to course delivery. Notification of changes will be made in due time.
VET courses
Vocational education and training (VET) courses are offered as part of the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or Record of School Achievement (RoSA). VET courses are designed to deliver workplace-specific skills and knowledge and cover a wide range of careers and industries. VET courses for secondary students are developed by the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) and are based on national training packages.
VET courses allow students to gain both HSC or RoSA qualifications and a national qualification or a statement of attainment recognised throughout Australian as part of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). These qualifications are widely recognised by industry, employers and tertiary training providers and universities and will assist students to move to various education and training sectors and employment.
Public Schools NSW, Ultimo is accredited as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver and assess VET qualifications to secondary students.
Board developed VET courses are classified as Category B subjects and only one can contribute to the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). These courses have an optional HSC examination. Students wishing to include a VET course in the ATAR calculation must sit the HSC examination after they have completed a minimum of 4 preliminary and/or HSC units.
Board developed VET courses have specified workplace requirement and include 70 hours of industry specific mandatory work placement or simulated workplace hours as specified by NESA.
Board endorsed VET courses do count towards the HSC or RoSA but do not have HSC examinations therefore can't count in the calculations of the ATAR. Board endorsed VET courses have mandatory or recommended industry specific work placement.
Assessment in all VET courses is competency based. The student is assessed on what they can do (the skills) and what they know (the knowledge) that will equip them in the workplace. Students who have successfully achieved competency will have the skills and knowledge to complete workplace activities in a range of different situations and environments, to an industry standard of performance expected in the workplace.
Competency-based assessment materials are designed to ensure each learner has achieved all the outcomes (skills and knowledge) to the level of the qualification. Competency-based training is based on performance standards that have been set by industry.
Students will receive documentation showing any competencies achieved for the VET course undertaken.
Due to the specific requirements of a VET course it is recommended students speak to the VET Head Teacher VET or Careers Adviser Mrs Koutsoukos before choosing the course to ensure they are fully aware of the requirements and that the course is suitable for their individual needs, knowledge and skills.
School bases apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW
A school based apprenticeship or traineeship prepares students for a career in a particular industry, provides a training wage and skills training for both on-the-job (minimum 100 days) and off-the-job at school, TAFE NSW or a private provider.
You can do a school based apprenticeship in any of the following areas:
automotive
commercial cookery
construction
electro technology
hairdressing
health services assistance
metal and engineering
plumbing, and more.
You can do a school based traineeship in any of the following areas:
animal care
automotive services
beauty
business services
local government
retail services
sport and recreation
warehousing, and many more.
For more information, check out SBAT information website.