Year 11

VETDSS (External Courses)

VET Delivered to Secondary Students – VETDSS (External Courses)

Is a program that allows Year 11 and 12 students to gain practical, industry-relevant skills by attending an external training campus, while still completing their high school education at Emmanuel Catholic College. It provides students with a head start in their chosen career pathway by combining school-based learning with hands-on training in a real-world environment.

How Does it Work?

Around July each year, Year 10 and 11 offerings for VETDSS courses are released by the various training providers for participation in the following year. These will be promoted extensively through SEQTA and parent emails when the information becomes available. This information details the courses, campus locations and delivery days of the course.  Interested students are supported in applying for VET courses of their choice.

After being accepted, Students enrolled in VETDSS programs then attend an external training provider while continuing their regular school studies.

Some external VET course examples:

  • ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
  • AHC20416 Certificate II in Horticulture
  • CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
  • ICT20120 Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies
  • 52895WA Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies
  • CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media
  • SIT30122 Certificate III in Tourism

Benefits of VETDSS

Nationally Recognised Qualifications – Can lead to a Certificate II, III, or higher
Pathway to Apprenticeships or Employment – Increases employability and industry connections
Hands-on Learning – Develops practical skills in real-world environments
Boosts Confidence & Independence – Encourages responsibility and self-management

Challenges & Responsibilities

Missed Schoolwork – Students must catch up on lessons and assignments from their off-site day
Commitment Required – Requires time management, dedication and work-ready skills
Additional Costs – Some private RTOs charge fees for training programs
Limited Course Availability – Placement in popular courses is competitive
Attendance is key – all VET students will be assessed by observation.
Pupil-free days at TKC – TAFE students must attend TAFE even though their peers might be off school.

Some courses require students to find their own work placement and with this comes the management of Logbook and Skills Journal entry.

VETDSS is ideal for students who are:

  • Keen to start training in a trade or industry while at school
  • Interested in gaining a qualification that leads directly to employment or further study
  • Motivated to balance both school and external study commitments

Application Process:

Once the applications close, Emmanuel Catholic College will be notified of a list of 1st round offers for successful students and provide an endorsement to the Training Organisation that the College supports the application. (usually in September).

Second round offers will be made (roughly around October time)


Contact Information

Ms Tania Byrnes
Head of Careers & VET
Tania.Byrnes@cewa.edu.au