Vocational Education & Training/School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (VET)
These are specific vocational subjects available in years 11 and 12 at Robert Townson High that are recognised as part of the HSC program. They are;
Business Services
BSB30120 Certificate III
Construction
CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways and statement of Attainment towards CPC20120 Certificate II in Construction
Hospitality
SIT20316 Certificate II in Hospitality
Information and Digital Technology
ICT30120 Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology
Manufacturing & Engineering
MEM10119 Certificate I in Engineering AND Statement of Attainment towards MEM20413 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
These courses are either Board Developed, which can contribute to the calculation of an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank), or Board Endorsed which can be included towards the achievement of a HSC in some cases. Students wishing to undertake these courses are best advised to discuss their intentions with the relevant VET teacher, their year advisor or deputy, and the careers advisor.
Work Placement is a mandatory part of each VET subject. This is the industry hands-on component of the chosen VET subject and it is a mandatory component. It usually involves a total of two weeks of full-time commitment over two years of study. This occurs at two separate businesses related to the area studied. Not only does the program introduce the student to reputable organisations, it gives them the opportunity to apply their training in an operational setting. Whilst receiving mentoring, students learn how to fine tune their employability and specialist skills, as well as appreciating the culture, language and expectations of the industry.
SBAT
This program is purposely suited to those students who strongly identify with a particular vocational area, are self motivated and demonstrate a level of maturity. Employment areas include, but are not limited to, hospitality, vehicle painting, retail services, electro-technology, hairdressing, financial services and plumbing.
SBAT's are an incredibly demanding program as they combine paid employment with TAFE training on top of school obligations. Not only must parental and DET (Department of Education and Training) consent be obtained, but a suitable employer must be found that is willing to provide the necessary work skills on a part-time basis. The total number of days that must be worked range between 100 and 160. In many successful cases, the student has undertaken work experience in year 9 or 10 with an employer, who is satisfied with the performance of the student. They then agree to enter into a SBAT arrangement. It is also noteworthy that the arrangement usually must be entered into before, or close to, the end of semester 1 of the student's year 11 program.
The successful completion of a school based apprenticeship is equivalent to the achievements of a first year full-time apprentice. The completion of a school based traineeship provides a certificate of proficiency in the training area that is recognised by educational institutions. This allows students recognition of prior learning (RPL) in many Cert ll, lll, lV and diploma courses. Both programs are a definite head start for a post-school career.
Applications and arrangements for an SBAT are advised to be submitted in year 10. Contact the SBAT TVET unit on 9825 7460 or the school's careers adviser