Secondary School Students
Find the right path for you
SuniTAFE is the leading provider of vocational education and training in North West Victoria. The tertiary landscape is changing rapidly and the Institute is committed to ensuring that we continue to provide education and training that is relevant to the communities we serve. SuniTAFE has state-of-the-art campuses at Mildura and Swan Hill - with each offering specific courses to meet the needs of our diverse student body. SuniTAFE provides a wide range of courses to help prospective students become work ready.
To book an appointment with the Skills & Jobs centre, contact us on 03 5022 3999 or email us at skillsandjobs@sunitafe.edu.au
VET Delivery to Secondary Students
VDSS combines VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) & Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) studies at school, with practical hands-on experience and training at SuniTAFE.
If you're a high school student looking to get a head-start in your future career, the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) program is for you. VDSS allows high school students to study a nationally recognised TAFE qualification as part of their secondary schooling.
The VET Delivered to Secondary Students program (VDSS) involves senior secondary school students undertaking a vocational subject as part of their secondary school education. This program contributes towards their secondary school completion certificates, whilst undertaking a nationally recognised qualification in a program of choice.
Gain insights and experience within an industry you’re interested in working in, and get ahead in your career with VDSS. Programs are offered over two years, and contribute to your overall VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) & Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) requirements.
You need to be at least 15 years old and in Year 10 or 11 to join.
Students successfully completing a VDSS program will be eligible for a nationally accredited Statement of Attainment or Certificate qualification in their specific area of study; as well as developing a range of skills and knowledge that will make them more ‘job-ready’.
Having a VDSS qualification helps you to pathway into an apprenticeship, traineeship or employment, and best of all, when you have finished school – you can fast track into another course in the same area or we will help you choose an area of interest.
Just remember there is no right or wrong reason to do VDSS. In partnership with your school, we are helping to prepare you to start thinking about your future and the endless possibilities available to you.
Check out the Get VET videos here. See secondary students across Victoria exploring their passion through VET, developing workplace skills and knowledge and creating flexible pathways towards future education and employment.
Need more information about studying a VET course - learn more at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment VET webpage.
Start exploring career pathways by selecting a learning area you enjoy. Find out what occupations are linked to your area of interest with the Career Bullseyes at the myfuture website here.
The VDSS programs run over one year or two years. Most students will start their program in Years 10 or 11, however depending on the course selected there may be the opportunity for Year 8 and 9 students to participate in Taster Programs.
You attend campus once a week and in some cases, this is supported by work placement or structured workplace learning, to further enhance skills and provide opportunities for employment.
Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct for further relevant information.
Submit your application to your Secondary College VET/Careers/Home Group Coordinator.
You will need to complete an enrolment application process, this includes an expression of interest form, enrolment form and a pre-training review.
Some programs may have an eligibility and selection criteria such as interview, aptitude tests etc
Your school will be notified if your application has been successful with details for orientation or enrolment sessions you need to attend.
Late applications may be accepted for some programs, however will only be considered if vacancies exist or become available at a later date.
Costs will vary between programs and the invoice for the program costs including materials, books, uniforms, kits and other fees will be sent to your home school.
Students undertaking trade courses will be required to complete an OHS Construction Induction course prior to work placements occurring.
Students and their parents may need to attend an enrolment session at SuniTAFE or the relevant Trade Traning Centre.
To find out more about VDSS offerings at SuniTAFE please email skillsandjobs@sunitafe.edu.au or call 03 5022 3999. Alternatively speak to your school VET Coordinator.
School Leavers
In Victoria, students are required to be engaged in full-time education and/or training, until at least 17 years of age.
The Victorian legislation is part of the aim of all Australian governments for people to stay at school longer and gain skills to help them gain employment or pathway into higher study.
Once you have completed Year 10 at school you need to do one of the following:
Stay at school and continue into Years 11 and 12
Take up an apprenticeship or a traineeship
Enrol in a vocational qualification at TAFE or another approved training organisation
Undertake full time paid employment
Participate in a combination of education, training and employment
SuniTAFE can provide vocational training with learning support to help you to get a job or go on to further training for students that meet the entry requirements of the course and can demonstrate a mature attitude towards their learning.
SuniTAFE has a specific application process for all early school leavers. You will be required to bring in relevant school reports and any information on work experience attended.
For all early school leaver enquiries or to book an early school leaver appointment please contact the Skills and Jobs Centre on 03 5022 3999 or email skillsandjobs@sunitafe.edu.au
Are you leaving school?
We can help find a career or pathway that's right for you.
Fill out the form to book an appointment with our Skills & Jobs Centre
TAFE is a great pathway into study for people of all ages – from school leavers to those who have been in the workforce for some years and would like to upgrade their qualifications or to begin a new career. Statistics show that most people now have several careers during their lifetime and it is not unusual to completely change direction. Many TAFE courses can lead on to University programs and with the pathways that the Institute has with its University partners there are options for students to continue their studies with credits into a relevant program. Pathways can make your dream qualification become reality.
Whatever the educational and career path you’re travelling, if your ultimate goal is to achieve a university degree and reach your full potential, then SuniTAFE can help you get there.
