VET
VET (Vocational Education & Training) at Parafield Gardens high School provides students with the opportunity to experience the world of work in a range of occupations whilst still at school. VET allows students to gain dual accreditation, in both the SACE and a nationally accredited qualification.
Students undertake a combination of:
- Off the job training which might happen at school or with another training provider
- On the job training in the form of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) which may happen at one or more workplaces
Parafield Gardens high School offers a range of VET pathways, some of which are delivered internally within our own timetable structure, along with other courses which are delivered through the Northern Region. These courses have been made available through the alliance formed by the 11 state schools in the Northern Adelaide Region along with TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) by linking the school with Businesses, Community Groups, Industry Associations and Government Agencies.
This project targets the industries which are anticipated to grow significantly such as:
Computer Aided Drafting & Design
Health Industry
Community Services
Construction
Electrotechnology
Engineering (Production)
Business Studies
Hairdressing
Hairdressing & Make Up
Hospitality
Horticulture
What is Vocational Education & Training (VET)?
A Vocational Education and Training program is away for students to undertake courses at school that are relevant to their needs and have pathways to further training. The VET programs are offered in areas with employment opportunities, including School Based New Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Apprenticeships.
Students will have the opportunity to attain:
- The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
- National qualifications or part qualifications endorsed by industry and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Why do students complete VET courses at Parafield Gardens High School?
- You develop work skills and a realistic understanding of industry expectations
- You receive help with career planning
- You can explore possible areas of interest, which will help you make a decision about further study and work choices
- You will receive credit towards Traineeships and Apprenticeships, giving you a head start in your chosen career
- Many employers recognise the skills that students develop during their VET program or Structured Workplace Learning when students apply for employment
What is Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)?
Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) is a requirement of all of the Certificate courses recognised by the AQF. SWL enables students to gain specific skills on the job. The school and the participating employer agree to these skills or "competencies" beforehand. The workplacement, as part of a VET program contributes to the SACE and is recognised through nationally accredited training packages.
Successful Pathways
Building a successful future pathway is a complex and demanding process. At Parafield Gardens High School we focus on working closely with education, industry and community and our students to access a range of mentors and school staff, and a range of services to develop a set of tools to help students plan their pathways to achievement and to make a successful transition from school.
These tools include:
- An individual learning plan (ILP) that connects students' learning with their strengths to assist their own personal growth and for planning their futures.
- A transition portfolio that engages each young person in deliberate reflection about his or her school and community activities, and includes a plan of action to achieve desired goals and aspirations.
- A transition plan that describes each student's pathway to further education, work and training.
Individual Learning Plans
The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) plays a key role in the development of learning programs for students at Parafield Gardens High School. The ILP sets out the pathway for each student to move successfully through school to post school destinations in employment or further education and training.
The ILP is developed from year 8. As students progress from one year level to the next, they will see the relevance of their learning and how it links to their goals and aspirations. By years 10 and 11, students may choose to participate in vocational education and training (VET) or take up an Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASBA) program which can aid their transition to year 12 and the completion of SACE, so facilitating their transition to the world beyond.
The ILP is developed by each student with support from teachers, parents, friends and others who might be significant in their decision making. It includes their curriculum choice which recognises the student's skills and attributes, and identifies areas of possible improvement and development. It also identifies each student's career pathway and choices for further training and possible employment opportunities.