Blackfriars offers a diverse range of learning pathways to assist students in achieving their SACE and get a head start on their career goals.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are nationally accredited qualifications. Completing a VET qualification provides increased opportunity for students to connect with industry and school, ensures the focus and content of training is relevant, and that skills are developed to industry standards. VET qualifications can count towards the completion of SACE and, in certain cases, the calculation of an ATAR. VET courses also articulate into other trade and para-professional qualifications at a higher level after school.

Students who decide that their career pathway is best realised through a VET qualification are able to begin by undertaking VET training while, at the same time, studying their SACE.

At Blackfriars students are able to access VET training, at a Certificate III level, on campus in:

  • Sports Coaching (Year 10)
  • Fitness (Year 11 & 12)
  • Business (Year 11 & 12)

Students are also able to access a wider range of VET options off-campus delivered by Registered Training Organisations such as TAFESA and other private providers. Students will need to travel to the delivery sites to access this training. There are 26 Flexible Industry Pathways (FIP’s) which are available to students in which subsidies are offered to students to complete qualifications in areas considered to be strategically important to the economy in terms of job growth and skills shortages.

All external VET courses are applied for by the Director of Teaching, Learning and Pathways on the student’s behalf via an online application system called VETRO (VET Readiness Orientation). FIP’s course fees are heavily subsidised by the State Government and are often no more than $300-$400 per qualification. Some courses will have a higher fee. Information about these options may be obtained from the Director of Teaching, Learning and Pathways.

School-based apprenticeships and/or traineeships (ASBAs)

From the age of 15, students are able to enter into a part-time, school-based apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. This allows them to complete the SACE while, at the same time, commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship and then, on completion of Stage 2, transition straight to work. The minimum work requirement for these ASBAs is one day a week. Students must have first signed a Contract of Training with an employer. Completion of Stage 2 subjects studied at school is negotiated with the student, parents and Director of Teaching, Learning and Pathways.

Certificate II units generally give credit at Stage 1 and Certificate III units give Stage 2 credit.

Some of the VET courses that students from Blackfriars do off-campus include:

  • Automotive Servicing
  • Electrotechnology
  • Construction Pathways
  • Plumbing
  • Engineering
  • Early Childhood Education & Care
  • Hospitality
  • Screen and Media
  • Retail Services
  • Try-a Trade (Year 10)

How do I show my interest in VET courses?

Students interested in applying for VET courses or in finding out more about them, should speak to the Director of Teaching, Learning and Pathways, Carl Todman when making subject choices for the following year. Ideally, applications are submitted in Term 3 and students are notified of their success in Term 4.

It is a requirement of all “VETRO” courses that students complete a Language Literacy and Numeracy Assessment to ensure that students’ diverse needs are catered for. Individual training providers also have their own enrolment forms that will need to be completed and submitted as the enrolment process is finalised.

Workplace Learning Agreement Download
VET Expression of Interest Download

Course information

Maritime Operations

Madec VET in schools course guide

VET offered in other schools