You’ll find all this and more at a Catholic school.
Having a passion for a practical trade doesn't mean making a choice between school or TAFE. Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong operates a dedicated Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 90487) available to students in all of our secondary and K-12 schools.
Students choose Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses for many reasons. Some may be aiming to maximise their ATAR for university entrance. Some may want to gain a head start with their trade training while at school. For some, it’s simply a desire to develop skills relevant to their personal interests.
VET at our Catholic schools is designed to be completed alongside the standard subjects offered in the secondary years. It isn't a choice between a vocational or academic path, and it doesn't limit options. Some of our most successful HSC students have studied both VET courses and traditional subjects.
Students, parents, and employers all value the applied learning that VET offers, because of the practical way it assists students to prepare for their transition to work, further study, or both.
Across our community of secondary schools you'll find industry standard facilities like commercial kitchens, electrical workshops, and fitness centres, as well as dedicated VET trainers with a passion for helping young people discover the empowering experience of building practical, lifelong skills.
| Course | Who it suits | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
Business |
For students interested in a career in the office or business environment and in other personal contact service occupations such as legal or medical secretary, business management, marketing, advertising and finance. |
Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) |
Construction |
This qualification provides students with a pathway to a range of primary trades in the construction industry (with the exception of plumbing). Designed to introduce learners to trade skills such as joinery, carpentry and bricklaying as well as other relevant skills and knowledge for general occupations in the construction industry. |
CPC20220 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways |
Electrotechnology |
Students interested in a career in the electrotechnology industry. This qualification provides a grounding in safety and the basic skills and knowledge for work in any electrotechnology discipline. |
UEE22020 - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (career start) |
Entertainment |
This course would suit students wanting to train in a broad range of services for the entertainment industry. Training undertaken will include scenery and set construction, lighting and sound, arts & entertainment administration, customer service, staging and a range of general capabilities for working in entertainment technical operation environments. |
CUA30420 - Certificate III in Live Production and Services |
Fitness |
Students undertaking study in this qualification will undertake entry level training and assessment reflecting the role of group and gym fitness instructors. Activities include the planning, development and delivery of group exercise sessions or individual gym-based programs. It provides a pathway to work as a fitness instructor in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres. |
SIS30321 - Certificate III in Fitness (or statement of attainment towards) |
Hospitality (Food and Beverage) |
For students wishing to pursue training and employment in a hospitality setting. Training in a range of activities typical of ‘front of house’ tasks in the hospitality industry will include; safe food handling practices, preparing and serving simple dishes, interacting with customers and gaining the skills and knowledge to effectively work in the hospitality industry in a range of roles. It provides a pathway to work in various hospitality settings, such as restaurants, hotels, motels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafés, and coffee shops. |
SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality (Food and Beverage stream) |
Cookery |
For students wishing to pursue a career in hospitality utilising a range of food preparation and cookery skills to prepare food and menu items. Skills and knowledge in topics such as; hygienic and safe food handling, use of food preparation equipment, stock maintenance and working effectively in a commercial kitchen environment are undertaken as part of this course. It provides a pathway for hospitality work across a range of organisations such as: restaurants, hotels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops; and large institutions such as aged care facilities, hospitals, and schools. |
SIT20421 - Certificate II in Cookery |
Information, Digital Media and Technology |
Students interested in learning a range of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills. A range of units are undertaken that include; diagnostic testing, introductory programming techniques and creation and coding of simple web pages or 2D animation. This course can provide a pathway for generalist IT support services, basic cloud computing, basic cyber awareness, networking, programming, and entry level systems and web development. Students will have the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, and customer service skills for the support of clients, policies and procedures in a variety of workplace contexts. |
ICT30120 - Certificate III in Information Technology |
Manufacturing and Engineering |
Students who wish to develop and gain an introduction to trade-like skills in welding and fabrication using trade level equipment and facilities. Students will gain exposure to an engineering or related work environment and undertake tasks using a range of hand and power tools and welding processes to work towards completing a basic engineering project. Students who complete this course will have enhanced entry-level employment prospects for apprenticeships, traineeships or general employment in an engineering-related workplace. |
MEM10119 - Certificate I in Engineering Pathways & MEM20422 - Statement of Attainment towards Certificate II in Engineering pathways |
Active Volunteering |
Students who are interested in, or may already be, engaging with community groups or their church to give back to the community through volunteering. This course provides valuable learning and skills to effectively engage with these volunteering opportunities and manage some of the challenges that may be faced as a part of this work. Students undertaking this course are eligible to receive formally recognised qualifications when completed. |
CHC24015 - Certificate II in Active Volunteering |
Retail |
This course suits students interested in gaining formal qualification of work in a retail setting. It may also suit students already working in retail to gain formal qualifications that can be used as part of their HSC study pattern. Students are able to gain valuable skills and knowledge in customer relations, loyalty and engagement, teamwork, store maintenance and stock handling as well as skills and knowledge associated with working in a customer focused, service based environment such as discretion and judgement. It can provide a pathway to work in a diverse range of retail settings and job roles ranging from entry level to supervisory roles with specialty retailers, department stores, supermarkets, and quick service restaurants. |
SIR30216 - Certificate II in Retail |
Skills for Work |
This course suits students looking to enhance their foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and employability to prepare for entry-level work or further vocational education. It suits school leavers, job seekers, career changers, and those with low literacy or numeracy skills who need to improve their ability to engage with the workforce. This qualification provides a solid foundation for individuals aiming to enter the job market or pursue further studies in vocational training. |
FSK20119 - Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways |
Primary Industries |
For students interested in roles working in rural and regional Australia supporting agriculture. Skills and knowledge undertaken will be a mixture of routine tasks expected working in an agricultural environment including activities and tasks with animals, plants, pastures, machinery and equipment. Students will also learn procedures relevant to a primary industries environment such as Work Health and Safety (WHS) and basic record keeping and administration expected in modern primary industry workplaces. It can provide a pathway for students interested in roles such as: assistant animal attendant/stockperson, assistant farm or station hand / worker / labourer, saleyard livestock worker, assistant farm fencing contractor, Jillaroo or Jackaroo. |
AHC20122 - Certificate II in Agriculture |
Outdoor Recreation |
Students who are interested in undertaking formal training in the operational logistics and the delivery of recreational activities. Students will take part in a range of practical and theoretical activities providing grounding in foundational activity techniques used when working in indoor and outdoor recreation environments, adventure learning centres or camps and provide a pathway to working as an assistant to program leaders and managers in these types of workplaces. This course includes outdoor activities as well as learning undertaken in WHS, first aid and navigational skills. |
SIS20419 - Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation |
Some of history's greatest achievements were made by women and men who combined their academic studies with practical experience. From Leonardo Da Vinci and Vincent Van Gogh to Henry Ford and Florence Nightingale, one thing they all had in common was an early practical exposure to their craft.
Through work placements and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs), VET offers students a modern day equivalent. While remaining at school, students have the chance to gain real-world experience, preparing them for a meaningful career and building transferable skills to excel wherever their future takes them.
Gain practical on-the-job experience
Work Placement is a mandatory HSC component of all Higher School Certificate (HSC) Industry Curriculum Framework courses and many Stage 6 VET Board Endorsed Courses. Each placement provides on-the-job training and a practical understanding of each course.
Students must complete at least 70 hours of unpaid work placement for each 240 hours of study from a VET Industry Curriculum Framework.
Get a head start on your future career
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) allow senior high school students to commence an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while at school.
School-based apprentices work part-time and undertake the first stage of their apprenticeship training before the end of the HSC year. School-based trainees work part-time and complete their traineeship by the end of their HSC year.
Both the on-the-job and off-the-job training undertaken by school-based apprentices and trainees can contribute to their HSC. School-based apprentices will commence full-time employment as a second year apprentice from January after their HSC, providing that they have successfully completed both their on-the-job and off-the-job training program during their senior high school years.
If you’re interested in finding out more information about completing an SBAT please see the Career Advisor or VET Coordinator at your school.
Our VET trainers have a passion for sharing their knowledge and practical experience with young people. Find out if there’s a role that’s right for you at one of our Catholic schools.
View current jobsWhen making subject choices, students always need to choose courses that meet their needs, interests and abilities. Students with diverse learning needs often benefit from VET courses which offer a blend of theory and practical work. The 'hands on' approach to learning and the opportunity to do work placements provide skills and experiences that help students to transition to work or study after school.
Each of our Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Wollongong has a VET Coordinator. They are the best point of contact to discuss all things VET.
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