Studying VET in school

VET can help you kick start your career while you’re still at school, and can even count towards your SACE.

Erin, a school-based apprentice chef said “My parents are really happy that I’m doing the apprenticeship and that I’m still getting my SACE. I feel like I’m getting a head start by doing it while I’m still in school.”

Watch more stories from real apprentices now.

How does it work?

There are a few different ways you can study VET while you’re at school:

1. a school-based apprenticeship
2. VET courses offered through your school
3. starting a course that will help you get your SACE, and that you’ll keep studying once you’ve finished school

If you’re a Flexible Learning Options (FLO) student, there may be even more options available to you. Speak to your FLO case manager or coordinator to find out where VET could take you.

School-based apprenticeships

Pre-apprenticeship and pre-vocational courses
You can get a taste of what an apprenticeship would be like by doing pre-apprenticeship or pre-vocational courses.

These courses let you try out a career and gain some valuable experience before diving into an apprenticeship.

School-based apprenticeships
Are you in Year 10, 11 or 12? You can start an apprenticeship, gaining real-world experience and working towards a nationally-recognised qualification while you’re still at school.

Starting a school-based apprenticeship is similar to a normal apprenticeship, but you must make sure your school is involved every step of the way. If you're interested, speak to your school's VET Coordinator.

More about apprenticeships

VET courses offered through your school

Whether you complete a qualification or a handful of units, your VET study can count towards your South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

If you have a career path you'd like to follow or try out, undertaking VET while you're still at school may suit.

You can check the SACE VET Register to see how many SACE credits you can get for the course you're interested in.

Check the SACE VET Register

Start now, finish once you've left school

If you want to start a course at school that will take a bit longer to complete - like a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation - you may be able to start now and continue once you've left school.

Speak to your school's VET Coordinator about securing a place in a course that you'll be able to continue (with subsidised course fees) once you've left school.

Did you know?

The term apprenticeship can refer to an apprenticeship or a traineeship.

What can I study?

You can study almost anything while you’re still at school, you just need to talk to your VET Coordinator.