At Nazareth Catholic College, Vocational Education and Training (VET) gives students skills for work, particularly in trades and industry. VET options at Nazareth Catholic College encourage students to complete or make significant progress towards completing a course or certificate of study. Once completed, VET qualifications contribute to the SACE. There are many opportunities for students to participate in competency-based learning. Some courses run after hours while others require a full day or half day at training.

Ideally, students who are interested in careers in trades will begin introductory courses in Year 10 at the tri-shared Rosewater Trade Training Centre. This ensures that they understand the nature of the industry and can maximise their skill development with the intention of gaining a further qualification. Beginning a trades VET course in Year 12 is more difficult as there are severe time constraints. During Year 11, VET students develop a broader view of the nature of the skills required, undertake Structured Work Placements and learn about the demands in the industry. The benefits of undertaking VET through Nazareth Catholic College include:

• On-the-job training/learning
• Gaining skills, knowledge and confidence that enhance employability
• Gaining nationally recognised qualifications as well as SACE
• Adding purpose and motivation for senior schooling
• Developing a network and knowledge of possible industry employers
• Some completed VET certificates may help for some TAFE and University entry

For some students, VET is an opportunity to challenge themselves and to assess their interest in a particular field. Many students develop greater confidence and knowledge about certain career pathways including the post-secondary training opportunities through TAFE and universities. Both have entrance requirements, and students are strongly advised to speak to the Careers Education and VET Coordinator about selection criteria.

A VET course is highly recommended for students at Stage 2 who undertake a package of study as an alternative to achieving an ATAR score. Some students may opt to do a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship which offers alternative possibilities in Stage 2. School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship requires families to investigate and locate potential employers.

At Nazareth Catholic College, VET students must combine with other schools for the delivery of VET in externally based programs by attending TAFE SA or other Registered Training Organisations (RTO) for course delivery.

Below is a list of Industry Areas offered through VET at Nazareth Catholic College:

• Animal Care and Management
• Business Services and IT
• Visual Arts, Music, and Design
• Health and Community Services
• Fitness, Sport, and Recreation
• Trade Skills, Science and Technology
• Hospitality, Tourism and Services Courses

As part of the Catholic Education SA STEM Learning Initiative, STEM vocational pathways have been included under the Students tab for all VET courses listed in the CESA Directory. Links take readers to Training.gov.au which is the National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. The website contains detailed information about Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and Accredited courses. Contact the VET and Careers Coordinators at your schools for further information.