Vocational Education & Training
What is Vocational Education and Training (VET) ?
Vocational education and training (VET) provides education and training to teach knowledge and practical skills for use in the workplace.
VET is designed to be delivered at any point on an individual’s career journey and is available through schools, dual sector universities with VET courses, TAFE institutes, private registered training organisations and community colleges.
A nationally accredited VET qualification or program can be a Unit of Competency, Skill Set, Certificate I, II, III or IV; Diploma; Advanced Diploma; Apprenticeship; Traineeship; Graduate Certificate; or Graduate Diploma.
To browse a list of all accredited training offered through the Australian VET sector visit Training.gov.au
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
An Australian Apprenticeship, commonly known as an apprenticeship or traineeship, combines paid on-the-job training and formal study with a training organisation. The apprentice/ trainee gains a nationally recognised qualification while earning a wage and working in an employment contract.
A register of all apprenticeships and traineeships available within Western Australia can be accessed on the Department of Training and Workforce Development website.
Job Seekers – follow the link to further information on apprenticeships and traineeships in the resources sector
Employers – follow the link to find further information on what having an apprentice or trainee will mean for your organisation and how to get started claiming Government incentives.
VET in Schools
Vocational Education in Schools enables school-based students to complete vocational education programs whilst completing their secondary school studies.
School-based vocational education programs may be fully institutional, include a work placement program (e.g., pre-apprenticeships) or be completed whilst in employment (e.g., school-based apprenticeships or school-based traineeships).
To learn more about VET in Schools and browse programs visit the Department of Training and Workforce Development website.
Employing Apprentices
Employing Apprentices can be a valuable step for any organisation enabling the recruitment and skilling of new talent through a formalised framework. When making the decision whether hiring an Apprentice is right for your organisation, understanding your capacity to provide on-the-job training and expect time for off-site training is important.
Employers can hire an apprentice or trainee in a part-time, full-time, or school-based arrangement and both parties involved will sign a training contract.
What is a training contract?
A training contract is a formalised agreement between the employer and the apprentice or trainee, which sets out terms for the apprenticeship as agreed to by both parties.
This may include:
- the qualification the apprentice or trainee is working towards
- the expected duration of the apprenticeship or traineeship
- the number of hours in training and employment provided each week
- arrangements for on and off the job training
Training contracts can be varied during an apprenticeship or traineeship if all parties agree.
To learn more, about training contracts visit the DTWD Apprenticeship Office
How do I hire an apprentice?
If hiring an apprentice or trainee is the right step for you organisation the first step is to contact the Australian Apprentice Support Network (AASN or Apprenticeship Network).
The Apprenticeship Network is the first point of contact for all queries about apprenticeships. The role of the network is to support employers and apprentices through all stages of the process including understanding training obligations and working with registered training providers. Employers cannot engage an apprentice without engaging the Apprenticeship Network.
The Fair Work Ombudsman also provides useful information for Employers of Apprentices and Trainees, particularly in relation to pay, entitlements and ending an apprenticeship or traineeship arrangement.
Accessing financial incentives
Employers who hire an apprentice or trainee may also be eligible to receive a range of financial incentives offered by both the State and Federal Government. To browse these incentives and see what your business may be eligible to claim, visit the Fairwork Ombudsman Website.