Tomaree High School

Frequently Asked Questions

What does VET mean?

VET means vocational education and training. Here it also means Higher School Certificate (HSC) courses for senior students that deliver training outcomes. School, TAFE and other private providers deliver VET for the HSC.

What is the difference between VET courses and other HSC courses?

• In some VET courses work placement is compulsory (VET Industry Curriculum Framework - ICF), Electrotechnology.

• VET courses can deliver dual accreditation, meaning a VET course can give an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) and/or a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) qualification in addition to units of study counting towards the HSC.

• Learning and assessment focuses on skills and is competency based.

What is reported on the HSC?

All VET courses are recorded on the HSC. Units of competencies are reported on eBOS VCS.

What are competencies?

A student is assessed for competency against standards set by industry for skill performance. Being assessed as competent means a student has reached a pre-defined minimum level of work performance in an industry skill area.

Do VET courses count towards the University Admissions Index (UAI)?

The Industry Curriculum Framework courses (TAFE or school delivered) and Accounting (Board Developed Course - BDC) may be used for two units towards the UAI. Other VET courses do not count for the UAI. To count towards the UAI a student must be doing a 240-hour course (i.e. two units over two years). The student then must sit a written exam for the HSC. The exam mark is used for the UAI.

What is the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)?

The AQTF broadly refers to national principles, standards for delivery and qualifications in VET. VET is delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTO). Hunter/Central Coast Region is currently delivering Vocational Education and Training in 47 schools in the Region.

What is delivered in VET?

Various industry areas have developed training packages with relevant units of competency, assessment guidelines and AQF qualifications. Some have been packaged into HSC courses – the Industry Curriculum Framework (ICF) courses, and other Board Endorsed Courses (BEC) e.g. Music Industry, Multimedia, Radio Broadcasting, Sports and Recreation.

What are Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualifications?

VET qualifications are expressed as AQF levels. They are recognised Australia wide. HSC students may gain AQF I, II and in some instances part or all of AQF III qualifications.

Primary Industries                                                                         

Course Description:

This course is for students who wish to work in the agricultural or horticultural industries including nurseries, golf courses, landscaping etc.

The course is based on units of competency, to describe the competencies, skills &  knowledge required by the workers in the industry.

Studies in primary industries involves –

• Dealing with & caring for plants
• Treating disease and disorders of plants
• Maintaining & using equipment e.g. Tractors, chemical application
• Overseeing & managing nursery operations
• Developing & producing new products & technologies
• Managing plant enterprises including nutrition, pruning and harvest

Business Services (Administration)

Course Description:

This course relates to the office skills/administration industry.  The knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired by students in undertaking this course will also be of value in future study and daily life.

Skills from the Business Services (Administration) Industry Curriculum Framework (ICF) leads to many careers such as:

• Secretarial work
• Legal support services
• Accounting and financial services
• Clerical and administration
• Records management
• Human resource management

Construction

Course Description:

This course develops basic knowledge and skills and provides experience for the construction industry.  Successful students gain a Statement of Attainment or Certificate I or II in General Construction.  These are relevant for employment at an operational level, but lead to further qualifications in trades, supervision and management levels.

Study in Construction ICF leads to career opportunities in many occupations such as:

• Drafting and reading plans

• Using tools and equipment
• Tiling, plastering and bricklaying
• Building, carpentry and formwork
• Road, tunnel and bridge construction
• Drainage and pipe laying                                                                   (top of page)

Hospitality

Course Description:

Study in a Hospitality course leads to various careers including in five star hotels, clubs, restaurants, community food service organisations, catering and resorts.

A student may study both a Hospitality course and a Tourism course, but there are common competencies in both courses, so HSC exclusions apply – see your Careers Adviser

Note : Students must do a minimum of 35 hours in the workplace for each 120 hours (2 unit ´ one year) of study

The Hospitality courses are based on units of competency in the Hospitality Training Package.  Qualifications re AQF certificate I and II.  These are recognised Australia wide.

Full chef’s uniform is required.

Information Technology

 Course Description:

Information technology is a rapidly evolving industry experiencing sustainable growth.  This course provides opportunities to gain relevant technical, business and interpersonal skills for employment.

Study in the Information Technology Industry Curriculum Framework leads to many career opportunities such as:

• Telecommunications

• Accounting
• Research
• Computing software and hardware development
• Printing and publishing                                                                              (top of page)

Metals and Engineering

Course Description:

The course leads to employment in :

• Fabrication
• Manufacturing
• Mechanical
• Aeroskills
• Metal machining
• Transport equipment
• Electrical/electronics (course under review)
• Industrial machinery
• Technician services
• Drawing, drafting and design industries

Retail  Services

Course Description: 

This course develops basic knowledge, skills and experience for long-term or short-term employment and provides a base for careers in retail supervision, buying and management.  Students may gain a Statement of Attainment or AQF Certificate I or II.

Study in the Retail Operations Industry Curriculum Framework leads to many career opportunities :

• Sales
• Department and store management
• Stock buyer
• Finance
• Marketing
• Advertising
• Customer service
• Business management                                                                                                                                                                      (top of page)