← Understanding VET in Schools
About VET
Practical training that leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
Vocational Education and Training
VET focuses on practical skills and demonstrated competency. Students are assessed on what they can do, not only on what they know.
School subjects ask
“What do you know?”
VET also asks
“Can you do it?”
VET and school subjects
Both are studied in Years 11 and 12, but they are structured and assessed differently.
| School subjects | VET |
|---|---|
| Subject knowledge | Workplace skills |
| Academic assessment | Competency-based assessment |
| Grades A–E | Competent / Not Yet Competent |
| School syllabus | Units of Competency |
| Senior subjects | Nationally recognised qualification |
VET is a nationally recognised qualification, completed alongside senior secondary study.
Key terms
Unit of Competency
The building block of a qualification: one defined skill or area of knowledge, learned and assessed.
Competency
The assessment outcome for each unit: Competent, or Not Yet Competent.
Qualification
Awarded when all required units are complete, and recognised across Australia.
How a qualification is completed
Five stages, from choosing a qualification to receiving it.
02
Learn through competency
Each qualification is made up of Units of Competency: defined skills or areas of knowledge.
03
Complete assessment
Assessment is based on evidence of what you can do. In the Diploma of Business, this includes team projects, simulated management meetings, presentations, role plays and case studies.
04
Demonstrate competency
Competent
You have met the requirements of the unit.
Not Yet Competent
Further practice and reassessment are available. This is not a fail.
05
Receive your qualification
All requirements complete
Qualification + Record of Results
Some units complete
Statement of Attainment