Are you looking to join the workforce?

Research shows that students who did a VET course during school are more likely to be employed full-time or permanently, five years after their studies. If you want to join the workforce, why not consider taking a VET course?

With more funding and government subsidies put towards vocational education, a VET course might get you to your dream career more quickly and at a lesser cost than a university degree.

What is VET?

VET stands for Vocation Education and Training. It’s an internationally applied standard of education that specifically focuses on practical, hands-on job training. They are AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) certified, which means that they are recognised and valued by employers.

VET covers four levels of qualifications:

Certificate I-IV
Diplomas (Business, health, finance)
Advanced Diplomas
Vocational Graduate Certificates and Diplomas

VET courses are offered at Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) as well as private colleges and institutes. They are also available for Australian secondary students in Years 10, 11, and 12, and completion of a VET certification can contribute to an ATAR.

What do you learn in a VET course?

VET courses focus on vocational preparation and are designed to get you job-ready with the specific skills required for your future career. This often involves a work placement, or apprenticeships and traineeships, where you can get hands-on industry experience.

In a VET course, you are not ranked or in competition with other students. You are assessed by competencies, meaning that you pass if you can demonstrate that you are capable of performing a task or a skill.

VET covers four levels of qualifications:

VET courses are great for people who want a flexible learning structure. People who take VET courses include:

Certificate I-IV
Students in secondary school who want to work on industry skills while completing VCE or VCAL certifications
People looking to change careers
People who want to brush up on skills
People wanting to do further study

Short Courses such as First Aid and Responsible Service of Alcohol are also popular for job seekers and those looking to transition between roles in their workplace.

Why do a VET course?

Vocational skills and trades are in high demand here in Australia and overseas. Many VET courses are subsidised, meaning that your training fee is partially paid for by the government. This makes them not only quicker to complete than a university degree, but also cheaper.

Doing a VET course while you’re still at school can get you employed directly after graduation. Research shows that students who did VET during school are more likely to be employed full-time or permanently five years after their studies.

And while university graduates may seem to earn more per week than those with VET qualifications, a closer look at the statistics shows that that’s not always the case. VET qualified workers in fields that require VET qualifications earn equal if not higher wages than university graduates in similar jobs.

VET courses also offer a path into university qualifications if you are interested in pursuing one. Some universities recognise Advanced Diplomas and other VET qualifications as prior learning and will accept them as credit towards degrees.

Ready to start your career?

VET courses offer more options and hands-on learning for students looking to get job-ready. They are a great option if you’re looking to get qualified and working as soon as possible.

Check out these courses available at MCIE to get started!

MCIE courses have flexible part-time and full-time options, with some courses delivered online as well as in person. Visit our website for more details, or call us at 1300 737 004 to talk about your study options.