External VCE VET Cluster Program Applications and School-Based Apprenticeships

July 22, 2021

by Director of Pathways and Applied Learning, Mr Damian Kinnersly

External VCE VET Cluster Program Applications Opening Soon

As we are currently underway with subject selections, applications for the external VCE VET programs will be opening soon. Students have the opportunity to participate in these programs that St Patrick’s is unable to offer through our internal timetable. Programs that may be accessed through this arrangement are;

  • Certificate II in Agriculture
  • Certificate III in Allied Heath Assistance
  • Certificate II in Animal Studies
  • Certificate II in Automotive
  • Certificate II in Community Services
  • Certificate II in Dance
  • Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Certificate II in Electrotechnology
  • Certificate II in Equine Studies
  • Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways
  • Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations)
  • Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology
  • Certificate II in Landscaping
  • Certificate II & III in Music Industries
  • Certificate II in Plumbing
  • Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics
  • Certificate II in Salon Assistance
  • Certificate III in Screen and Media

Positions in these programs are not guaranteed and students are advised to select 2022 subjects based on the regular timetable offerings as outlined in the selection process to ensure that a suitable program is achieved. Students who are successful in being offered a position in the cluster programs and accept it will then be required to meet initially with the Director of Pathways and Applied Learning to discuss subject changes.

When considering if an external VCE VET program is suitable, please be aware that students need to be self-managed, be able to get themselves to and from their VET training and catch-up on any missed class work if their VET program interrupts other classes. Please consider the following document Requirements Of VET Cluster Students when considering applying.

A meeting for interested students will be held at lunchtime on Friday, July 30 where the application documentation will be available.

Applications open on Friday, August 6 and close on Friday, August 20 at 5pm.

As these programs are offered outside the College, there are significant extra costs involved.

Please contact the Director of Pathways and Applied Learning, Mr Damian Kinnersly, via email to obtain further information or to arrange a meeting dkinnersly@stpats.vic.edu.au

 

School-Based Apprenticeships

As part of the learning programs for students in the Senior School, a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) may be negotiated. A SBAT involves a student working with an employer in a part-time arrangement as an apprentice while still working towards the attainment of their VCE (or VCAL for Year 12 students only in 2022). Typically this involves at least one day a week with an employer and external VET training.

These arrangements must be negotiated with St Patrick’s College and not all students who seek to undertake a SBAT are suitable. A student wishing to undertake a SBAT must present the following attributes;

  • Demonstrated a high level of responsibility and autonomy in being able to effectively communicate with staff, parents, and their employer
  • Demonstrate a high level of organisational skills to self-manage catching up on schoolwork that is missed due to workdays
  • Clearly demonstrate that the SBAT is meeting their intended career pathway for when they leave St Patrick’s and enter the post-schooling workforce.

In deciding if a SBAT is something that a student wishes to investigate they should have completed the following;

  • Met with the Careers & Transition Manager, Mr Anthony Meehan to discuss career pathways
  • Undertaken some work experience to determine suitability of work
  • Found an employer that is willing to support a student in offering a SBAT
  • Met with the Director of Pathways and Applied Learning, Mr Damian Kinnersly, to discuss impact on their learning program and to determine suitability of this opportunity (parents are encouraged to contact with Mr Kinnersly)

Further information regarding SBATs and how they contribute to a student’s VCE can be accesses through VCAA on their SBAT information page.

Please contact the Director of Pathways and Applied Learning, Mr Damian Kinnersly via email to obtain further information or to arrange a meeting dkinnersly@stpats.vic.edu.au