School students and VET NSW and Scotland Learning exchange seminar SQA – November 2013
Overview The Australian and NSW context of schooling and VET VET as part of NSW schooling credentials Some policy challenges Questions throughout: What appears to be the same? What appears to be different? What can we learn?
Roadmap through NSW education
Roadmap through NSW education and training
NSW schooling context
NSW VET sector context
“VET in Schools” in Australia Formally defined as any nationally accredited VET that is recognised in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCEs) Can range from a single “unit of competency” to a full Certificate III or IV occupational qualification The way VET is packaged and recognised in SSCEs varies greatly between states and territories An emerging critique is gaining currency at the national level
“VET in Schools” in NSW VET “courses/subjects” in Stage 5 and Stage 6 school curriculum VET “courses/subjects” made up of units of competency and qualifications from national industry Training Packages Dual accreditation ‘Pre-endorsed’ as appropriate for school students following industry and stakeholder consultation Work placement requirements
Industry Curriculum Frameworks “Premium product” Cover 13 key industry areas Mandatory work placement requirements Optional HSC examination for results to contribute to tertiary entrance rank HSC examination based on ‘HSC Content’ - a description of the underpinning knowledge associated with mandatory units of competency
4 units Industry-based Learning 2 units Aboriginal Studies 4 units Biology Health Services Assistance Traineeship A possible HSC pattern of study 4 units English 6 units Human Services (Certificate III in Health Services Assistance) School based traineeship Other subjects
Purposes of VET for school students
Some considerations Collections of Skill sets Full qualifications units of competencies Any VETForecast high demand for skills
Some considerations Lower level Higher level taster/introductory industry-standard Pathway qualifications Specific occupations broad occupational groupings
Some policy challenges Reaching a settlement around purposes of “VET in Schools” VET sector change fatigue Government budget pressures Work placement brokerage services Diversity of offerings Demand for literacy and numeracy assessments when students leave school
Thank you