Benefits of VET Qualifications

When parents and caregivers are helping their children make decisions about post-school plans, very few consider vocational education and training (VET) options. In many cases, this is because parents and caregivers have outdated perceptions about trades and vocational education – some believe that trades and VET courses are for students who are not academic, whilst others hold the view their child will have a better chance at a successful career if they pursue a university qualification over a VET course.

There is no doubt that parents and caregivers are motivated by wanting what is best for their children, however it is possible they may not be aware of the huge benefits that choosing a VET qualification can bring. These are:

A VET qualification can provide entry into a multitude of careers

Most parents and caregivers may not know that VET qualifications can provide students an entry into more than 500 careers. As a result, VET courses are offered across a huge spectrum of industries including community and health, tourism and hospitality, construction, technology, retail, transport, administration and many more.

For a list of VET courses offered in your area, visit the National Careers Institute and TAFE NSW for more information.

Undertaking a VET qualification can get your child job ready in a short period of time

VET courses can get your child into the workforce faster than many other qualifications. Certificates I – IV can take between six months to two years to complete, and Diplomas typically take between one to two years. If undertaken as an apprenticeship or traineeship, these qualifications can be completed in two to four years with the added benefit of earning money at the same time as learning.

Additionally, it is possible for your child to start studying for an apprenticeship or traineeship at school through a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT). Doing this can reduce the overall time spent doing an apprenticeship or traineeship for some qualifications after your child leaves school.

VET qualifications are affordable

Many people may not realise that VET qualifications are highly subsidised, making them very affordable. In fact, if your child does an apprenticeship or traineeship in NSW at the moment, they may not have to pay for the qualification. The NSW Government is currently paying the course cost for 100,000 new apprenticeships and 70,000 new traineeships in identified industry areas that need more qualified workers.

There are also a number of payments available to apprentices and trainees to help with the costs of undertaking an apprenticeship. These include the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment for those eligible apprentices in Priority Occupations, a Living Away from Home Allowance and Trade Support Loans, as well as assistance with travel, accommodation and relocation expenses.

All of this financial assistance means that apprentices and trainees will not only graduate with a qualification, but they will also do so without a financial debt – this is not the case for all education and training in Australia.

VET graduates are very employable after training

If parents are concerned about their child securing a job after completing a VET qualification, they have little to fear! In Australia in 2021, approximately 80% of VET graduates were employed after completing their training.

Further to this, the 2022 Skills Priority List has identified there are shortages in nearly half of all occupations in the Technicians and Trades Worker occupation group. These workers generally work in building, engineering, scientific and manufacturing activities. Most of these shortages are for positions that require an apprenticeship pathway. Therefore, if your child is interested in pursuing an apprenticeship in any of these occupations, they are highly likely to find secure and in-demand employment.

A VET qualification can offer pathways into other education

VET courses not only offer practical skills and experience needed for the workplace, but can also provide pathways into other education and training. For example, for those students looking to complete a university qualification, TAFE NSW offers a range of programs that guarantee entry into several Australian universities. Students who follow this pathway can graduate with a VET qualification and a university degree. This pathway may be beneficial for those who didn’t get the ATAR needed to gain entry to university and/or may help someone who has left school and wants to try a certain industry before making a commitment to a university degree.

All of these benefits means it is worth considering a VET qualification for your child and exploring the many options that a VET qualification – and even a VET career – can bring!