Vocational education and training (VET)
VET provides a wide range of subjects and courses that are taught in a practical, hands-on way.
Need to know
- If you know what job you want, and if it involves practical skills, Vocational Education and Training (VET) might be the right choice for you.
- VET combines practical, hands-on learning with a strong focus on industry and work readiness.
“I picked tourism course and everything changed, I started loving school, I actually got excited to come to school.”
Your future starts with the right skills
Whether or not you know what job you want, or what your career looks like in the future, Vocational Learning is your pathway to success. Vocational Learning combines hands-on learning with real industry experience, giving you exactly what employers are looking for.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we deliver nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET). Nationally recognised qualifications can open doors across Australia and beyond.
Why VET works
VET delivers results. We work with businesses and industries to understand exactly what skills they need. Then we teach you those skills. This means when you complete your training, you’re not just qualified – you’re job-ready.
As an RTO, our qualifications are nationally recognised and respected by employers. Your workplace experience and practical skills will make your resume irresistible. Employers choose VET graduates because they know you can deliver from day one.
Multiple paths, one goal: your success
VET creates opportunities.
It doesn’t matter which path you take – further study at TAFE or university, or straight into your career, vocational learning gives you the edge.
Even if your plans aren’t set yet, developing practical skills keeps all your options open and puts you ahead of the competition.
Your Vocational Learning options (Years 9-12):
- VET in School (VETiS)
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications while completing your school studies
- Work-based Learning
- Step into real workplaces and experience actual job roles firsthand. You can
- build professional networks,
- develop workplace confidence, and
- often secure job offers before you even graduate.
- This isn’t just work experience – it’s your competitive edge in the job market
- Step into real workplaces and experience actual job roles firsthand. You can
- Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- Earn a wage while you gain qualifications with established employers
- Trade Training Centres
- Access industry-standard facilities and expert instruction
- Driving for Jobs
- Master essential driving skills that unlock employment opportunities
New opportunities
As part of Tasmania’s Youth Jobs Strategy, we’re expanding VET opportunities with exciting new programs:
- Youth Career Facilitators working directly with schools to connect you with local employers
- HIA youthBuild offering hands-on construction training for Years 9-10 students
- Beacon Work-based Learning Service helping you explore careers and build job skills
Practical skills create real opportunities.
Ready to get started?
Talk to your school’s VET Coordinator or a teacher you trust. Bring your parents or carers into the conversation too – they can help you plan a pathway that sets you up for success.
You can also email Vocational Learning vocationallearning@decyp.tas.gov.au
Explore your options at Careerify to discover what career might be right for you.
Remember: Your future is what you make it. With VET, anything is possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vocational Education and Training (VET)?
VET is your pathway to job-ready skills. It combines practical, hands-on learning with real industry experience. It can give you exactly what employers want. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we deliver nationally recognised courses. Nationally recognised qualifications can open doors across Australia and beyond.
VET is part of vocational learning. Vocational learning includes education, training, and skills that prepare you for work and life after school.
When can I start VET programs?
You can begin your VET journey as early as Year 9. Different programs are available across Years 9-12:
- Years 9-10:
- Work-based Learning,
- Trade Training Centres,
- Youth Career Facilitator programs,
- HIA youthBuild (construction focus)
- Years 11-12:
- VET in School (VETiS),
- Apprenticeships and Traineeships,
- all other programs continue
- Ages 16-19:
- Driving for Jobs program
What VET options are available while i'm at school?
Your options include:
- VET in School (VETiS)
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications alongside your regular studies
- Work-based Learning
- Experience real workplaces, build professional networks, and often secure job offers before graduation
- Australian School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (ASbA)
- Combine work, training, and school to earn your qualification and TCE simultaneously
- Trade Training Centres
- Access industry-standard equipment and expert instruction
- Driving for Jobs
- Develop essential driving skills that unlock employment opportunities
How do Work-based Learning and apprenticeships help my future?
Work-based Learning puts you into real workplaces where you experience actual job roles. You’ll build:
- professional networks,
- develop workplace confidence,
- and often receive job offers before you even graduate.
This isn’t just work experience – it’s your competitive edge.
Australian School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships let you earn while you learn. they combine paid employment with nationally recognised training. You can start these in Years 10-12, giving you a head start on your career while still completing school.
What makes our VET programs effective?
We work with businesses and industries to understand exactly what skills are needed. We then teach you those skills. Our Trade Training Centres and facilities use industry-standard equipment. This ensures your training mirrors real workplace conditions.
As an RTO, our qualifications are nationally recognised and respected by employers. When you complete your training, you’re not just qualified – you’re job-ready and employable from day one.
What's new in VET opportunities?
As part of Tasmania’s Youth Jobs Strategy, we’re delivering exciting new programs:
- Youth Career Facilitator programs
- Connecting you with local employers and industry experiences
- HIA youthBuild
- Hands-on construction training for Years 9-10 student
- This will roll out to all 55 government schools during 2025-2028
- Beacon Work-based Learning Service – Career exploration and structured work-based learning (available statewide)
Our goal: 50% of students participating in VET by 2030.
How do I get started?
Talk to your school’s VET Coordinator or a trusted teacher. They’ll help you plan a pathway that sets you up for success.
Include your parents or carers in the conversation – they are valuable partners in your planning.
For Australian School-based Apprenticeships, contact your school’s ASbA facilitator or the Apprenticeship and Traineeship team.
Email: asba.admin@decyp.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 6165 5404.
Explore your career options at Careerify to discover what path might be right for you.
What happens when I finish school?
Your VET journey doesn’t end at graduation.
You can continue with TasTAFE or other RTOs to further develop your skills. Many students transition into employment. Students can use their VET qualifications and work experience as a launching pad for their careers.
The practical skills, industry connections, and nationally recognised qualifications you gain through VET create pathways to apprenticeships, traineeships, further study, or immediate employment – whatever direction suits your goals.
