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Educational Pathways

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education Training provides students with a wide range of alternative pathways and a dual qualification while working towards the HSC and can be linked into post school options. Vocational Education courses are available to all Stage Six students.

COURSES OFFERED AT THE PORT STEPHENS CAMPUS

Vocational education courses fall under two categories - Framework and Non-Framework.

Framework courses are Board Developed Courses offered by the NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority). They are accredited by both Industry and NESA. Most framework VET courses are studied as a 240-hour (2 Unit) course over 2 years and contribute to a student's ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).

Delivered under Association of Independent Schools RTO (90413)

  • Hospitality - Certificate II in Hospitality - Food and Beverage stream
  • Electrotechnology- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
  • Construction - Certificate II in Construction Pathways
  • Tourism - Certificate III in Tourism

Delivered under InTech Institute of Technology RTO (30100)

  • Automotive –Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

Additional Framework courses may be available at other SPCC campuses and RTO’s. Non-Framework or Board Endorsed courses (VET BECs) count as a 2-unit credit for the HSC but do not contribute towards an ATAR. For more information about Framework and Non-Framework courses contact the Head of Curriculum.
 

  • Education Support - SBAT subject to school availability
  • Early Childhood Education and Care - Certificate III with support from Narnia Early Learning Centre-SBAT option available for interviewed candidates.
  • Allied Health Assistance-Certificate III-Smart Training-SPCC Waratah Campus

TAFE NSW could also provide an opportunity to study as part of the HSC as well. This is called a TVET course. To learn more visit the Hunter TAFE website.

AIMS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

It's not easy making big decisions about your future, especially where your career is concerned. That is why St Philip's Christian College Port Stephens, provides a Vocational Education Training option for students to follow different pathways to meet the HSC credited requirements. In Stage Six students can choose courses that will help them move from school to work or further education, with confidence.

In today's competitive job market, by studying vocational courses, students can obtain valuable experience to help them in future employment by showing aptitude in specialist areas or developing knowledge and skills beyond entry level. Work Placement experiences are a significant component of VET courses, which allows students to be aware of industry opportunities and develop contacts.

VET courses place an expectation that students meet industry standard in the skills and knowledge to be industry ready. Students are encouraged to make a committed effort to gain the relevant skills, which will help them to become useful and productive citizens in the workplace and community. Education at SPCC recognises the needs of the whole child, and vocational education fits firmly into that model. With reference to the Core Values (2001) “serve one another” – we want to appreciate the unique God-given potential of each person.

What are the ADVANTAGES in selecting a VET courses as part of your HSC?

  • VET courses enable students to gain industry recognised skills while studying for the HSC.
  • Students can receive an HSC accreditation from NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), a Private Registered Training Organisation or may also receive a Certificate of Attainment.
  • Some existing casual employment can be used to acknowledge existing industry employment skills through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).
  • VET courses completed in Stage Six can be used to RPL into higher levels of course studies in the same Training package.
  • Students have the chance to study in an adult environment.
  • Career skills learned are considered valuable to employers in the work place.
  • On the job work placements provide additional work skills and industry contacts.

Considerations when selecting a VET course?

  • Courses can incur additional expenses e.g. uniforms, equipment travel to work placement.
  • You may not get into a course as there is competition for places.
  • You may have to travel to a venue beyond our local community e.g. TAFE campus - Travel is at your expense.
  • Withdrawal from courses before completion of a course will incur extra cost - student pays the full fee, and subsidies do not apply.
  • On the job work placements may put additional pressure on school work load.
  • VET Course information to help your decision making

Carefully read all VET course information to help your decision making and ask question if needed.

Additional Framework courses may be available at other SPCC campuses and RTO’s. Non-Framework or Board Endorsed courses (VET BECs) count as a 2-unit credit for the HSC but do not contribute towards an ATAR. For more information about Framework and Non-Framework courses contact the Head of Curriculum.

SBAT – School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is a head start to your career combining paid work, training, and school. Not only will you get an industry recognised national qualification, but also unit credit towards your NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Students may apply to complete a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship as part of the pattern of study in Stage 6.

Current programs available:

  • Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care – Traineeship with Narnia Early Learning Centre.
  • Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care) – Nurse Train
  • Certificate III Hunter New England Health – Nursing Traineeship with Hunter New England Health District

Should you find a suitable SBAT program you wish to apply for, please speak to our Director of Studies, Peter Freeman, to discuss if this will fit into your HSC pattern of study.

TVET
TAFE NSW also provide an opportunity to study as part of the HSC. This is called a TVET course. The TVET Course guide provides information about the courses available. TVET Course Guide.
For more information about TVET please visit: TAFE NSW

If you would like any more information, please contact SPCC Port Stephens:

wayowa.telfer@spcc.nsw.edu.au 

Below attached are brochures for those VET courses delivered at SPCC Port Stephens. If you need any more information please contact SPCC Port Stephens course trainers or Head of Curriculum for other course options.