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Thinking of a vocational education and training pathway?

Key takeaways

  • Vocational education and training (VET) helps you build practical skills for real jobs 
  • You can study through TAFE, private colleges or other registered training organisations (RTOs) 
  • Apprenticeships and traineeships let you earn money while you learn 
  • Some courses are fee-free or low-cost, with financial help available if you need it
Students in a classroom working on electronics while a teacher explains at the whiteboard. A smiling student is in the front.

If you’re thinking about what to do after school, vocational education and training (VET) could be a good option to explore.

VET focuses on practical, hands-on learning and helps you build real skills, grow your confidence and gain experience that can lead to work or further study.

What is VET?

VET is a learning pathway that helps you build practical skills you can use in everyday jobs. Many courses include hands‑on training, work placements or on-the-job learning. 

You can study VET through: 

  • TAFE 
  • private colleges 
  • other registered training organisations (RTOs)

Why consider a VET pathway?

VET can be a great option if you’re looking for learning that is:

What can you study?

VET covers a wide range of industries, including: 

  • health and community services 
  • construction and trades 
  • early childhood education and care 
  • business and administration 
  • hospitality and tourism 
  • digital skills and technology 
  • automotive and engineering 

There are courses for beginners and for people with previous experience—wherever you’re starting from.

Jobs that are in demand

Some industries currently need more workers, including: 

  • construction and trades 
  • health and care (like aged care, disability support, and early childhood education) 

Training in these areas can help improve your chances of finding work. To learn more, read our In-demand jobs.

a group of students learning on a job through an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Some people choose to do VET alongside paid work through an apprenticeship or traineeship. 

These programs let you:  

  • earn money while you learn 
  • gain real workplace experience
  • work towards a nationally recognised qualification 

Group Training Organisations recruit apprentices and trainees and match them with host employers. You can search for one through the Australian Apprenticeship website. 

Curious about how much you could earn? Check out the apprentice and trainee pay rates.

Starting VET while you’re still at school?

You may be able to get started through: 

  • Pre-apprenticeships – short courses that let you try out a career 
  • School-based apprenticeships or traineeships – where you work and study while finishing school 

To learn more, visit: 

How to choose the right course for you

Choosing a course can feel like a big decision, but you don’t need to rush. 

Before you enrol, it can help to ask yourself: 

  • What are my goals, and does this course fit with them? 
  • Does this course link to jobs that are in demand? 
  • Can I manage the time and costs? Would part-time study work better for me? 
  • Are there entry requirements, like Year 10 or Year 12 completion? 
  • How much does the course cost, and are there fee‑free or low‑cost options? 
  • Is the provider a registered training organisation? 

You can search online to: 

Did you know?

Not all training providers are the same, so it’s worth researching before deciding. Choosing a registered provider helps make sure your qualification is recognised by employers.
a vocational coach training a student in a library

What you need to enrol

To enrol in a VET course, you’ll need a Unique Student Identifier (USI). 

Your USI: 

  • is your education number for life 
  • is needed to receive your qualification or statement of attainment 
  • is needed for government financial help 

If you don’t already have one, you can apply online. Keep your USI somewhere safe—you’ll use the same one across different courses and providers.

Paying for your studies

Some courses are fee-free or low-cost. 

If you need help with costs, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. It’s a good idea to check fees before you enrol, so there are no surprises.
Managing money is part of student life. For more tips and support, check out Student life and money. 

Need help deciding?

You don’t have to work this out on your own. 

You can talk to: 

They can help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and take your next steps with confidence. 

Take your time

There are many pathways after school, and VET is just one of them. It’s okay if you’re still figuring things out. Taking time to explore your options is part of the journey—and support is here whenever you need it.

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