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Who are we?

The WASM VET Cluster is a partnership between 16 regional secondary schools, RTOs, the Department of Education, and Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN. Through the cluster, member schools have access to a diverse range of vocational education and training opportunities. Bringing regional students together helps to make vocational education and training more viable and sustains meaningful training and workforce development for our region. The WASM VET Cluster is coordinated by Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN (WSMLLEN) on behalf of the participating schools.

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Member Schools:

  • Ararat College

  • Birchip P-12 School

  • Dimboola Memorial Secondary School

  • Edenhope College

  • Goroke P-12 College

  • Hopetoun P-12 College

  • Horsham College

  • Horsham Special School

  • Kaniva College

  • Murtoa College

  • Nhill College

  • Rainbow P-12 College

  • Stawell Secondary College

  • St Brigid’s College

  • Warracknabeal Secondary College

  • Wimmera Lutheran College

Code of Conduct

All students applying to study VET are required to sign the Code of Conduct as part of their application. Students are expected to follow the Code throughout their VET program and will be held accountable by both their RTO and their home school.
 
As a participant in a VET program:

  • I shall strive to meet the attendance, participation, and work requirements of the VET program.

  • I will notify the VET Coordinator at my home school in advance if I will be absent from VET for any reason or first thing in the morning on the day of attendance if I am unwell. (The VET Coordinator will then advise the RTO of my absence.).

  • I will arrange with my VET program trainer to catch up any missed work in my own time.

  • I agree to work cooperatively with other students attending VET .

  • I will abide by the VET trainers' rules and rules of the Registered Training Organisation whenever I am on site.

  • I will treat staff, other students, and property with respect at all times.

  • I will pay the material costs associated with my VET program if required.

  • I agree to bring all necessary resources, (books, pens, etc) to enable me to participate in the VET program each week and I will dress in accordance with the requirements of the program.

  • I agree to abide by the Registered Training Organisation’s occupational health and safety requirements and will follow directions given by trainers and other staff in the event of an emergency.

  • I acknowledge that my attendance at VET is reported to my home school.

  • I understand that all facilities delivering a VET courses and transportation services are smoke and vape free environments (including bus stops) and I will refrain from smoking or vaping while in attending VET (including travel).

  • If required to travel by bus to, from or during my VET program, I will do so in a responsible and considerate manner.

  • I acknowledge that if I cause problems on the bus, I may be suspended from travelling on the bus for a period determined by my school, in consultation with the bus company and other relevant persons. I am also aware that if suspended from bus travel it is my responsibility to arrange the alternative travel to and from VET for the period of the suspension.

  • I acknowledge the bus driver has authority to designate seats to students and/or to move a student to another seat on the bus.

  • I acknowledge serious breaches may be referred to the Transit Safety Division of Victoria Police for investigation and action.

 
I have read and understand the above Code of Conduct relating to my involvement in VET and agree to follow the conditions set out above. I understand that failure to do so may jeopardise my place in the VET program and I maybe withdrawn from the program as a result of my behaviour.

Guidelines and Expectations

VET is considered a higher education program and students should discuss their readiness to undertake a VET coursewith their parents/guardians and teachers. Students are expected to:

  • Sign the Code of Conduct 

  • Be punctual and limit missing class time; provide notes from home for late arrival or missed classes

  • Remain on campus throughout the day

  • Submit assessments and work tasks on time

  • Be respectful of trainers and other students

  • Abide by the procedures and policies of the RTO

  • Ensure the practice of occupational health and safety as directed.

  • Switch off and leave mobile phones in their bag during class. Mobile phones are not permitted in VET classes unless your trainer gives you express permission to use one for study purposes.

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Behaviour and at-risk procedures will be applied in accordance with the RTO and WSM VET Cluster policies. Students may be withdrawn from VET programs if expectations are not met.

What is VET?

VET qualifications are state or national recognised vocational (work) certificates. A VET course provides specialised industry training that focuses on practical skills and knowledge for a specific career. VET qualifications are designed with industry professionals to ensure training meets current job demands and are approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Each VET qualification is broken down into ‘Units of Competency’ (UoC). UoC are a set of skills that students will learn as they complete their qualification. They are like the ‘building blocks’ towards obtaining the qualification.

What will I get?

On successfully completing two years in a VET course, most students gain a nationally recognised qualification at Certificate II or III level. In some courses, students get a great head start with a partial qualification, which can be completed with further study.

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Students will receive a Statement of Attainment for all successfully completed Units of Competency. The successfully completed qualification and Units of Competency may provide a direct pathway into further education and training on leaving school or into a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

What will  it cost?

Currently VET course costs are subsidised through the Department of Education and government schools through the Victorian Training Guarantee. Students may have to pay some material, uniform or book fees depending on the course. Indicative costs are included with course information; however, please note that the fees are subject to change without notice. If fees are an issue, please see your school VET Coordinator.

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Students from independent and Catholic schools will be advised course costs (if any) via the school during the course selection process.

What is VDSS?

Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students (VDSS) is a program that allows senior secondary students to study a VET qualification while still at school. The design of VDSS means that the VET qualification is endorsed for recognition in the student’s preferred senior secondary pathway, i.e. Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE-Vocational Major (VCE-VM) or the Victorian Pathway Certificate (VPC). The program is available to Year 10, 11, and 12 students. Students must have their school’s approval to enrol.

How much work  is there  in VET?

Different VET courses have different levels of workload. While VET courses incorporate a high level of hands-on-learning, they also include significant theory-based training. Some VET courses also require higher levels of literacy and numeracy. Students should always talk to their school’s career practitioner and their family before enrolling.

If a student is eligible for funding to provide education support within their school, the school will also organise education support during the VET classes.

Why should I do a VET?

You should talk to your school career practitioner to ensure VET is the right option for your study pathway. There are significant benefits to studying VET:

Practical skills

  • Gain hands-on experience and practical skills directly applicable to real-world jobs.

Early career start

  • Start building a career pathway while still in school, giving you a head start in the workforce.

Industry connections

  • Build connections with industry professionals and potential employers through work placements and training.

Increased employability

  • Improve your job prospects with nationally recognised qualifications that make you stand out to employers.

Flexible learning

  • Enjoy a variety of learning options that can be tailored to your interests and career goals.

Pathway to further education

  • Use your VET qualifications as a stepping stone to higher education or advanced training opportunities.

VET transport

​The Department of Education may provide funding through the statewide LLEN network to run a free VET transport system for VDDS students to ensure all young people have access to vocational education and training. You will be asked if you will be attending by bus during the application process and if so, provided with route information and bus timetables before starting your VET course.

Need a course handbook?

The VET Handbook (PDF) includes all course details listed here, plus extra guidance on senior studies and enrolments. 

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