VET Courses
What is a VET course?
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. Launceston College is a member of the DECYP Registered Training Organisation (RTO), allowing us to offer a large number of Nationally Accredited Training Programs. These programs are designed to provide pathways into work or further study.
Our VET programs run for 150 hours, 300 hours or 600 hours depending on the level and type of course.
VET Certificate II and Certificate III programs have a workplace component, where you may spend time in a host workplace learning on the job.
Can I do VET and other subjects at the same time?
Yes, you can! VET and TCE (TASC) subjects can be studied easily together, and allow students the best of both worlds, as you can find out more about work and still leave your options open for further study at university. Many of our students choose this type of mixed course.
All VET programs contribute credit points towards the Tasmanian Certificate of Education.
The Years 9-12 team at the Department of Education, with input from the VLCE Unit, have created this video to explain more about VET learning:
VET Courses in 2023
(Please note: The availability of all courses is subject to enrolment numbers)
Please click on this PDF link to see the LC VET Scope and Information Pack for 2023!
VET Learning FAQs
What do I have to do to get into a Certificate II/III program?
- Complete an enrolment with an LC enrolment counsellor. You will do this when our enrolment team visits your school or you meet with a member of the enrolment team for your enrolment appointment (or perhaps your Home Group teacher if you are in Year 11). As part of this, you will select your preferred VET course as well as some back-up courses in case you are not successful. You will also receive a copy of the VET Information Guide at this time.
- Attend an Interview
Interviews are conducted by Launceston College VET Coordinators and industry representatives towards the end of the College year, or at the start of the new College year in some cases. You will be advised of your interview date and time at enrolment, with a reminder SMS the day before. Should you not be successful, further counselling will be available to assist you in planning an alternative pathway. - Enrolment Process
Enrolment occurs at various times during the year in high schools and at the College. Dates will be advised in each venue. Contact the College administration on 6332 7777 for dates.
A formal interview for Certificate 1 courses is not required. A discussion with your Enrolment Counsellor at the time of enrolment meets the selection process required.
If you have not attended an interview at the time of enrolment:
Sometimes enrolment sessions will occur prior to your Interview. If this is the case, you will be provisionally enrolled into the VET program and your enrolment will be confirmed following the Interview.
Why do you have to be interviewed?
- The interview process ensures that you are committed to the VET program, and provides an opportunity to experience a real interview in a non-threatening environment
- Assesses whether you are ready for on-the-job training
- Ensures you have the necessary skills to be successful in the workplace
What happens at the interview?
You will be interviewed by a panel comprised of representatives from industry and your VET Program Coordinator.
What should you do to prepare for the interview?
Dress as if you are going for a job interview.
Be prepared to answer questions like:
- Why do you wish to do this program?
- Why are you passionate about this career path?
Be prepared to talk about yourself and bring a resume or a portfolio of related work if you have one.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)
All VET programs build on what you already know and can do. RPL is a system that allows you to be given credit for existing skills and knowledge that you have attained through work or general life experience. Launceston College also recognises AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations and provides Credit Transfer for unit/s of competency achieved. Students are encouraged to apply for RPL and/or CT and the VET Program Coordinator will provide the required information on how to do this at the first formal program session.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
All students are required to have a USI in order to receive a certificate or statement of attainment for units of competency achieved. Details about the USI are available at:
The VET Program Coordinator is the person who:
- is responsible for your VET program training and assessment
- is your Student Advisor, the first person to consult should problems arise
- organises your work placement
- visits you on work placement
Induction Process
Induction for successful applicants occurs at the commencement of the VET program.
What should I do to be successful in a VET program?
- Attend all work placement days and classes
- Be punctual
- Dress appropriately
- Be prepared to work, follow instructions and learn new skills
- Have an appropriate attitude to work
- Be keen to learn, ask questions and demonstrate your skills
- Follow instructions
- Behave appropriately
What is Work Placement?
Work placement gives you the opportunity to experience on-the-job training in a workplace related to your VET program. During work placement you will be given the opportunity to carry out the same work as an employee of the organisation. Most VET programs offer work placement. Please speak with the Program Coordinator to find out more.
Who is the Workplace Supervisor?
The Workplace Supervisor is the contact person at the organisation to which you have been assigned for work placement. You may work directly with this person or work with other people in the organisation, depending on the training program they have developed for you.
The Workplace Supervisor will:
- greet you on your first day
- introduce you to people you are likely to be working with
- oversee your progress while on work placement
- provide you with a safe working environment
- provide feedback which forms part of your overall assessment in the VET program.
Where else can I obtain support?
Support is provided through the College’s Student Advisor program, VET Coordinators and Workplace Supervisors. Talk to your VET Program Coordinator for more information.
Provision of Literacy, Language and Numeracy
VET programs have a focus towards literacy, numeracy and language. However, it is recommended that students undertake suitable subjects in the areas of Mathematics and English in conjunction with their VET program should there be a need for additional support in these areas.
Assessment Procedures
Launceston College practises a range of teaching and learning styles to suit the needs of students. VET assessment is competency based. You will be informed of the units that make up your qualification and what is required to achieve the standard for competency. Assessment is conducted according to National Standards of the training packages. All training package detail is available at training.gov.au. All units of competency from the national training packages resulting in a competent assessment outcome contribute points towards the TCE - Tasmanian Certificate of Education. Units of competency assessed by Credit Transfer DO NOT receive TCE points.
What if I have a complaint? Appeals and Complaints
Contact can be made with the Assistant Principal of VET or the VET Quality Manager at Launceston College if you have a complaint or wish to appeal a decision that has been made about your VET training and/or assessment.