About vocational education and training (VET)
What is VET?
VET refers to education and training that provides the practical skills and knowledge you need to:
- join the workforce for the first time
- re-join the workforce
- gain an apprenticeship or traineeship
- enter tertiary study
- advance your professional development.
A VET course is a great way to fast track your career or education in fields like:
- business studies
- health services
- mining services
- manufacturing
- agriculture
- tourism
- hospitality.
VET qualifications are generally at one of the following levels:
- Certificate I, II, III or IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Vocational Graduate Certificate
- Vocational Graduate Diploma.
Read more about how a VET qualification fits your education pathway.
Is VET for me?
You can benefit from a VET qualification at different times throughout your career or education.
School students
Participating in a VET course while at school can:
- provide credit points toward your Queensland Certificate of Education
- improve your tertiary selection rank
- support your transition to employment, vocational and higher education.
To find out what options are available at your school, talk to your guidance officer, career counsellor, VET coordinator or head of senior schooling.
Read about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
Read more about school-based programs and courses offered through TAFE.
Job seekers
VET can give you:
- nationally recognised qualifications
- industry relevant skills and knowledge
- on the job experience—through apprenticeships and traineeships.
Learn how a VET qualification can help you.
Professional development
Completing a course while you work can help you to:
- gain formal qualifications which may help you advance in your chosen career
- change your focus or career direction
- improve your capability within your current role.
You may gain course credit for your existing qualifications or experience through a process known as recognition of prior learning.
Find a VET course
You can find a VET course through:
- TAFE Queensland institutes
- agricultural colleges
- private providers
- community training providers
- some universities and schools
- your workplace.
Find out more about courses and training providers in Queensland.
