Vocational Education and Training (VET) combines classroom learning with practical training to give students real-world, industry-specific skills. It helps bridge the gap between school, the workplace, and further education.

VET courses can be studied at school, through TAFE, or a combination of both.

What are the benefits of VET courses?

VET courses:

– Are available to Year 11 and 12 students

– Are taught by qualified teachers at school and/or TAFE

– Provide hands-on skills and experience in a real workplace environment

– Can offer a head start in a chosen career

– Are competency-based, meaning students are assessed on what they can do, not just what they know

– Lead to nationally recognised qualifications

– Can open doors to apprenticeships or traineeships

– May contribute to your ATAR if you choose to sit the optional HSC exam

– Are offered across a wide range of industry areas

– Allow you to continue with further education at university or TAFE

VET Courses and Work placement offers many valuable benefits for students, helping to bridge the gap between school and the world of work. Through their placement, students can:

– Apply classroom learning in a real industry setting

– Build self-confidence and maturity by working alongside adults

– Gain motivation by seeing how school subjects relate to real jobs and careers

– Strengthen their learning by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience

– Develop initiative and communication skills in a professional environment

– Explore career options and understand what employers are looking for

– Grow knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are valued by both employers and further education providers

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) allow senior high school students to begin an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while still at school.

– School-Based Apprentices work part-time and start their apprenticeship training during school, completing the first stage before the end of Year 12 (HSC year).

– School-Based Trainees also work part-time and typically complete their traineeship by the end of Year 12.

Both on-the-job and off-the-job training contribute to your HSC. After successfully completing their school-based apprenticeship training, students can begin full-time work as second-year apprentices from January following their HSC.

SBATs offer the opportunity to:

– Gain a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification

– Complete the HSC

– Earn money and develop valuable workplace skills

How does it work while you’re still in school?
As a school-based apprentice or trainee, you must complete a minimum number of paid workdays as part of your training:

– For most trades, this is at least 100 days

– For some trades (such as electrical or electronics), it can be up to 180 days

When you’re not working, you’ll be completing the off-the-job training component and continuing with your regular HSC subjects.

What qualifications will I get?
All work and training you complete is recognised. For example, students who start part-time training in Years 11 and 12 may finish their qualification a year earlier than full-time post-school students.

Traineeships at School
School-based trainees usually complete a Certificate II over 24 to 36 months during Years 11 and 12. The formal training (off-the-job) is provided by your school or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and it counts toward your HSC.

Want to know more?
Visit www.sbatinnsw.info for further information.

Before Your Work Placement: What You Need to Know

Get All Your Paperwork

Before starting your work placement, make sure you have received all the necessary documents from your teacher. Your teacher will give you a Work Placement Folder which will include:

–  2 copies of your Student Placement Record (SPR)

– Your Log Book/Journal

– Work Placement Checklist for Students

– Emergency Contact Card

– Any additional documents or instructions from your school

Keep everything together and bring it with you to your placement.

Check Your Schedule Carefully

When you accept a work placement, you’re making a commitment. Last-minute cancellations can make it very difficult to find a replacement that suits your needs, so plan ahead. Before saying yes, consider:

– Upcoming assessments or assignments

– Any exams scheduled during the week

– Your work commitments (part-time jobs)

– Social or extracurricular activities

Once your placement is locked in, don’t make new plans during that week. If you’re unsure how to manage everything, talk to a teacher, careers adviser, or parent for help.

Do Your Research

Take time to learn about your placement employer before your first day:

– Read and understand your SPR.

– Know the location: Look up the address and, if possible, do a practice run to make sure you won’t get lost.

– Visit the website: Learn about the company—what they do, their values, and recent projects. Being informed shows initiative and helps you make a good impression.

Call Your Employer Before You Start

It’s very important to contact your employer during the week before your placement begins. This:

– Confirms your placement and reminds them you’re coming

– Gives you a chance to introduce yourself professionally

– Allows you to check for any last-minute instructions or changes

A quick, polite phone call goes a long way in setting a positive tone.

Getting There: Transport Tips

If you need to take public transport to your placement:

– Use apps or journey planners (like TripView, Google Maps, or Transport NSW) to check routes and travel times

– Plan to arrive at least 10–15 minutes early

– Always have a backup plan in case of delays

Make sure you know how you’ll get there each day of your placement.

It’s important to understand the difference between Work Experience and Work Placement, as they serve different purposes and apply to different stages of your school journey. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

– Who is it for? Usually completed by Year 10 students (sometimes Year 11) as part of Work Education studies.

– How long is it? Typically lasts up to 5 days.

– What’s the purpose? To give students a general understanding of a workplace, industry, or occupation. You’ll observe and, where appropriate, help with small tasks under the supervision of an experienced employee.

– Is it assessed?  Not formally. However, employers usually complete a feedback form to comment on your attendance, attitude, and interest.

– Is it paid?  No—work experience is unpaid and voluntary.

WORK PLACEMENT (also called Structured Work Placement)

– Who is it for? Usually undertaken by Year 11 or 12 students (occasionally Year 10) enrolled in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course at school.

– How long is it? Can vary from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the course.

– What’s the purpose? To give students the chance to apply skills learned in class in a real workplace. Students are expected to demonstrate competencies outlined in the relevant training package.

– Is it assessed?  Yes—students typically complete a logbook that employers sign to confirm that specific competencies have been observed.

– Does it count towards school? Yes—work placement is often a mandatory part of a VET course and contributes to your HSC and nationally recognised VET qualifications.

– Is it paid?  No—work placement is also unpaid and voluntary.

When you’re on work placement, you’re not just representing yourself—you’re also representing your school and showing what capable young adults can bring to the workplace.

Most employers expect the same qualities from students as they do from any employee. These include:

Enthusiasm – Show interest in the work and willingness to learn

Initiative – Look for ways to help and stay engaged

Commitment – Take your responsibilities seriously

Reliability – Be someone they can count on

Your Responsibilities During Work Placement

To make the most of your placement—and leave a positive impression—you should:

– Be punctual – Arrive on time every day, including after breaks and lunch.

– Bring your placement materials – Always take your Student Placement Record and Work Placement Journal with you.

– Ask questions and provide feedback – This shows you’re interested and want to improve.

– Dress appropriately – Wear clothing that suits the workplace and meets safety or dress code requirements.

– Be respectful – Treat everyone in the workplace (colleagues, supervisors, and customers) with courtesy and professionalism.

A good attitude and professional behaviour can lead to great references, future opportunities, and an unforgettable experience. Make it count!