VET

Kurnai College is proud to offer students a range of opportunities to explore their creative talents and develop their passions through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Program.

What is VET?

VET can be an integral part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and is essential for the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM).

Why Choose a VET program?

  • Hands-on Learning – Gain practical, real-world experience in your chosen field.
  • Experience-Based Education – While some theory is required, most learning is conducted through hands-on activities in your area of interest.
  • Employment Advantages – Completing a VET program can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs, with some courses even offering credits towards apprenticeships or traineeships.
  • Dual Certification – Upon completion, you will receive both your VCE or VCE VM certificate and a nationally recognised VET certificate.

Most VET programs are conducted in partnership with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as TAFE Gippsland and Community College Gippsland. These programs typically require students to attend off-campus training one day per week.

VET & VCE – How they contribute to your ATAR

Some VET programs contribute directly to your ATAR by including a final exam and a study score, just like any other Year 12 VCE subject:

  • Cookery
  • Engineering, Fitting & Fabrication
  • Health Services Assistance
  • Hospitality
  • Information Technology
  • Integrated Technology
  • Music – Performance & Sound Production
  • Screen & Media
  • Sport, Aquatics & Recreation

Other VET programs contribute to your ATAR by providing a 10% bonus and a 3/4 sequence:

  • Agriculture
  • Animal Care
  • Automotive
  • Building and Construction – Carpentry/Bricklaying/Painting & Decorating
  • Business
  • Civil Construction
  • Conservation & Ecosystem Management
  • Electrotechnology
  • Plumbing
  • Retail Cosmetics – when completed consecutively with Salon Assistant
  • Salon Assistant – when completed consecutively with Retail Cosmetics

Additionally, some courses count towards your VCE or VCE VM as unit credits:

  • Community Services
  • Hair & Beauty Skills Set
  • Horticulture
  • Workplace Skills

Costs

All course fees are covered by Kurnai College however some VET courses have associated costs depending on the materials and equipment required. These may include:

  • Uniforms or protective clothing
  • Work boots and safety gear

Additional Information

To learn more about VET courses, you can:

Read the VET Booklet or the VET section in the Kurnai College Programs of Study Handbook.

Talk to students currently enrolled in VET programs.

Important Notes:

Majority of programs run over two years.

  • An Expression Of Interest form must be completed.
  • A parent/guardian signature is required.
  • A Unique Student Identifier (USI) Number is necessary for enrolment, visit www.usi.gov.au(link is external) for details.
  • Attendance at a VET orientation day is required. This helps students familiarise themselves with transport arrangements and course expectations.
  • By enrolling in a VET program, you can gain valuable skills, industry experience, and qualifications that will support your future career and education goals!

An Expression Of Interest form must be completed.

VDSS

At Kurnai College, we’re proud to offer dynamic, real-world learning pathways for our students. 

Here, your education doesn’t just stay in the classroom it takes you into industry, skills and future careers.

What is VDSS?

VDSS (Vocational Education & Training Delivered to Secondary Students) enables you to gain a nationally recognised vocational qualification while completing your senior school certificate (whether the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM))

In short: you learn industry-skills now, get credentialed now, and build your future sooner.

Why choose a VDSS program at Kurnai College?

  1.  Hands-on + real skills — Go beyond textbook theory. Get workplace-style learning, expert trainers, authentic materials and processes.
  2. Industry-relevant experience — Our VDSS partnerships give you exposure to real-industry systems and expectations, so you graduate ready for work (or further study).
  3. Dual-track benefit — You’ll still complete your VCE or VCE VM and graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification.
  4. Future-facing outcomes — Whether you aim for an apprenticeship, employment or higher study, VDSS gives you a launch pad.

Most programs run in partnership with trusted Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and take place one day per week off-campus or on-site.

How VDSS fits your study plan & ATAR?

 

Some VDSS courses directly contribute to your ATAR — with a final exam and study score like a regular VCE subject.

• Others contribute via a 10% bonus (3/4 sequence) or count as recognised unit credits in your VCE or VCE VM.

By understanding how these programs integrate into your pathway, you can tailor your senior years to both your passions and your future goals.

What are the costs involved?

Kurnai College covers tuition fees. You may still need to meet material or equipment costs (e.g., uniforms, protective clothing, boots or safety gear). We keep these as minimal as possible and support equitable access.

Next Steps – What to do now

1. Explore the VDSS section of the Kurnai College VET Booklet
https://drive.google.com/file/d/138RK4HNQ9IjtA7oYGqKdJwkT6lpWONS8/view?usp=sharing

2. Talk to your VET Coordinator or Careers Practitioner about current course options.

3. Obtain your Unique Student Identifier (USI) at www.usi.gov.au — required for enrolment.

4. Complete the online Expression of Interest form with a parent/guardian signature
https://forms.gle/Zc58PC93FVdiBQiX9

5. Attend the VDSS/VET Orientation Day so you’re clear on expectations, transport and schedule.

Most programs run over two years, so start planning early for your senior years.

Start your future-ready journey

Choosing a VDSS program means investing in you. You’ll develop practical skills, industry know-how and recognised credentials all while you complete your senior schooling. At Kurnai College, we believe in opening doors, building confidence and shaping futures together.