How a VET Course can be Advantageous to Students
By Space Coast Daily // September 26, 2019
There are many advantages that students can get from choosing to undertake a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course. Gaining a qualification from one of these courses can lead to a variety of different higher education and career options.
In order to fully appreciate the benefits that can be had from choosing one of these courses, it’s important to understand what VET is and what different course options are provided.
VET – What does it mean?
Put simply, Vocational Education and Training (VET) is training and education that concentrates on providing individuals with the skills that they need to begin their working life or to rejoin the workforce after a break.
It can also be useful for people who are seeking to change careers.
VET courses are normally provided by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). There are many different RTOs including Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and some universities.
What courses and qualifications are provided?
There are several different courses and qualifications which are offered as part of the VET sector including:
- Certificates I to IV. Students can take advantage of programs such as the Certificate 3 Guarantee program if they qualify. These certificate courses normally teach industry-specific information as well as skills such as literacy and numeracy. The courses take between six months and two years to complete.
- Diplomas. These courses concentrate on industry-specific and enterprise skills that students may need.
- Advanced diplomas. Studying for these qualifications provides students with a high level of skills for use in professions such as accountancy and engineering.
- Vocational graduate certificate/diploma. This qualification is equivalent to the higher education graduate certificate and diploma. The difference is that it concentrates on providing a high level of employment-related knowledge and skills.
What advantage does a student gain from choosing a VET course?
The main emphasis of VET courses is normally on providing work-oriented skills and information.
This is in stark contrast to higher education or university courses which usually concentrate on theory.
This is why VET courses are often an advantageous choice for students who are looking to gain entry into work as soon as possible and do not want to attend a higher education establishment or a university.
However, this is not the only reason that students choose a VET course. Gaining a certificate IV, diploma or advanced diploma can enable the student to gain entry to higher education.
This means that they get the benefit of having acquired practical skills and also benefit from gaining a knowledge of theory as well.
Different institutions have different credit conditions and entry requirements which students need to check before they decide on a course of study.
VET courses are becoming increasingly popular with students who want to gain an advantage when it comes to displaying practical work skills.
These skills can make it easier for people to gain entry to the workforce, especially in certain industries or when backed up by knowledge of theory as well.
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