Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Kenmore State High provides students in Years 10 to 12 the opportunity to study a variety of vocational certificate courses, as well as engage in traineeships and apprenticeships. These courses are offered either by the school or through an external training provider such as local TAFE colleges. Senior Students are kept informed of vocational courses, traineeship/apprenticeship opportunities, work experience and open days through the Senior Schooling Bulletin which is emailed direct to students on a fortnightly basis. Parents and students can access access information about different pathways and opportunities through the KSHS Future Connections - Pathways Noticeboard.
Kenmore SHS is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) providing a range of VET courses at no cost. Some courses are delivered by external RTOs and incur fees. Current VET Courses at Kenmore SHS RTO Code 30071 can be accessed at the National Register on Vocational Education and Training. Further information about VET courses can be obtained through the Senior Curriculum Handbook.
The following VET Policies and Procedures are available for student and parent perusal:
All students studying VET courses at Kenmore SHS are required to apply for a Unique Student Identifier (USI). The USI system is a register of qualifications obtained by each student and is a useful tool for keeping track of qualifications earned over their lifetime. RTOs cannot issue a qualification unless a USI has been supplied to the school. As such, students will be required to set up a USI upon commencement of a VET course. Further information and creation of USIs can be obtained from the Unique Student Identifier Portal.
Additionally, students and parents wishing to find out more about VET study and the range of options below can contact Pathways and Transitions Head of Department Ms Nerida Grogan on (07) 3327 1563 or email Ms Grogan.
TAFE (Year 11 & 12)
Year 11 and 12 students can study a TAFE course whilst at school. This option allows students to access courses that are not offered in our curriculum which are linked to their career plan. Students attend TAFE one day per week and the course replaces one of the subjects that they would study at school. Families should access the TAFE at Schools course guide to read about the range of courses available, duration, associated costs or government funding, location, units of study and career pathways.
TAFE Trade Taster (Year 10)
Year 10 students can apply to the Trade Taster course to try a range of trades over a 10 week program. Students attend TAFE (Acacia Ridge or Bundamba are the closest locations) one day per week and participate in a range of activities. Students will complete their White Card (construction WPH&S) and then try four trades. Students are able to choose their combination of trades with a view to knowing if TAFE would be a suitable option for them in year 11 and 12. Ms Nerida Grogan, Pathways & Transitions Head of Department, advertises this to students in term 1 each year with students needing to apply directly to TAFE.
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Year 11 and 12 students can engage in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT) in a one day per week option whilst at school. SATs are a great way to combine training and employment and get a jump start on a career whilst working towards completing the QCE. The school receives some traineeship opportunities, mainly in retail, business and hospitality, which are advertised through the Senior Schooling Bulletin. Trade-based apprenticeships can be harder to obtain as employers don’t advertise with the school. Students who are keen to start an apprenticeship can approach employers and offer work experience as a way of introducing themselves as a potential apprentice.
School to Work Transition Programs
Senior Students who are interested in a trade pathway are strongly encouraged to apply for the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s School to Work Transition Program. These programs include a Certificate qualification in addition to 30 days work placement in one of ten industries including automotive, hairdressing, cabinet making to name a few. The Transition Programs are a supported model and achieve excellent employment outcomes upon successful completion of the program.
Work Experience
All year 10 students should experience the world of work in the year that they are studying Career Education and preparing for their SET plan where they will select their senior subjects for year 11 and 12. Work experience is a great opportunity to find out if they are suited to a career and potentially pick up casual work or a school-based or full time traineeship/apprenticeship. Additionally, year 11 and 12 students can participate in work experience during the school holidays. Work experience is organised through an external organisation.