Frequently asked questions about TVET

What are TVET Courses?

These are vocational courses that students can do at their local TAFE while they are still at school. It is training targeted to careers, trades, industries and employment.

Do TVET courses contribute to a student's HSC?

Yes, TVET courses contribute to a student's Year 11 and Year 12 HSC  program.

Are TVET courses the same as other school subjects?

Yes, they have the same unit values as elective subjects at school. Please see the Course Guide for the units in each course.

Can students in years 9 and 10 do a TVET course?

Year 9 and 10 students are eligible to apply to do a TVET course but they must meet specific criteria and be approved for funding.  For further information, ask your school or contact your TAFE Institute TVET Consultant.

Why would a student do a TVET course?

TVET courses give students more subjects to choose from,   practical training and an insight into a certain career.

What are other benefits of doing a TVET course?

  • TVET courses provide students with 2 sets of credentials from the NSW Board of Studies and nationally recognised qualifications from TAFE NSW which can contribute to further related study at TAFE or university.
  • Employers recognise TAFE qualifications.
  • Students can learn at a different place and meet students from others schools who have the same interests. They also enjoy working with TAFE teachers who have a hands-on approach to learning and specialised industry knowledge.

Do TVET students get a TAFE certificate?

Depending on the course, the student will get a Statement of Attainment, or a Certificate I, or a Certificate II or a Certificate III (AQF).

What is different at TAFE?  What can students expect?

TVET courses are taught by trained industry experienced teachers in well equipped training facilities.

Although students will be in an adult learning environment, TVET courses have the same Board of Studies requirements as other HSC courses that students do at school. Students will need to attend classes and complete the set assessments.

 What if a student wants to go to university?

TVET courses called Industry Curriculum Frameworks can contribute to an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) if students complete: 2 years of the course, work placement and the optional state-wide external examination.

Accounting has a compulsory external examination and can count towards the calculation of an ATAR.

How long does the course have to be studied?

Students can study a course for one year or two years- or even three if the students started in Year 10.

Will a student miss school? When does a student attend the TAFE class?

Most TVET courses are held on a VET school day and students do VET at school and/or TVET at TAFE. The course could be in the morning or afternoon or even after school.

TVET classes usually run for 3 or 4 hours per week. Some Certificate III courses may be for 5-6 hours.

Will the students have to do work placement?

Many courses require students to do work placement which can be in industry or in a simulated workplace depending on the course. Students will need to check with their TAFE teacher. Click here for more details about work placement.

What do I wear?

Students do not have to wear their school uniform. However, in some courses they have to wear protective clothing and use protective equipment which is supplied.

How do I get to TAFE?

It is up to to each student to find their own way to the TAFE campuses. However, in some cases a bus can be arranged for students. Ask your school adviser what may be arranged for you.

Can students with a disability do TVET?

Students with special needs can also access TVET courses. They can get support if the disability has been confirmed.

How much will it cost?

If students are enrolled in a government school, there is no cost for TVET. If students are enrolled in a non-government school, the school will be billed and the school will pass on part of the cost to the student.

What TVET courses are available?

All the TVET courses, locations and types of delivery are in the course guide which can be downloaded from the TVET Introduction page.

How do I Apply?

Students apply through their school's careers advisor or TVET/VET Co-ordinator using a TVET Expression of Interest form which must be signed by a parent or guardian and school representative. Click here for more information and a a link to download the form.

How can a student find out more?

For information about TVET courses, students can contact their school's careers advisor or TVET/VET Co-ordinator or a TAFE Campus TVET Co-ordinator.

What are school based apprenticeships or traineeships?

School based apprenticeships or traineeships are a combination of school, part-time employment and vocational study. Students need to discuss school based apprenticeships or traineeships with their school's career's advisor.

Will I get a TAFE certificate at the end of the course?

After completing the TVET course, students may receive two sets of credentials.

  1. The TVET course will be listed on an HSC certificate, if the Board of Studies HSC requirements have been achieved.
  2. If the TAFE requirements have been achieved students will receive either an Academic Transcript or, depending on the course, a Certificate I, II or III from TAFE NSW.

What is Workplacement?

Work placement means students are required, as a part of the course, to complete a specified number of hours in the work place.  Click here for courses that require Workplacement.