Dozens of training options – ranging from engineering to electrotechnology - are being made available for year 11 and 12 secondary students in South Australia next year after consultation with key industries across the state and endorsement by the South Australian Skills Commission.

While visiting the Department for Education’s Student Pathways and Careers Expo at the Adelaide Convention Centre with the new SA Skills Commissioner, the Minister highlighted the range of VET courses available in order to ensure school students are workplace ready in the future.

Thousands of school students are expected to benefit from the 2024 VET courses, which include both qualifications within a Flexible Industry Program (FIP) or Stackable VET that includes skills clusters and short courses.

Consulting with industry, employers and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), the Department conducts an annual review of VET courses to ensure the most up-to-date and relevant options are available.

The options are then endorsed by the SA Skills Commission to recognise that they are suitable for school students as part of their pathway into entry level employment in key industry sectors.

"It is fantastic to see students embracing VET in South Australia.  As interest and uptake increases in these new courses, it is critical that the VET pathways offered to school students are current, fit for purpose and supported by industry," said SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker.

"The newly appointed South Australian Skills Commission will continue to work with our 7 Industry Skills Councils and industry more broadly to ensure that VET offerings to students continue to meet this essential criteria and that each course offers a genuine connection to future skilling or employment opportunities," he said.

FIPs provide students with an opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills and knowledge they need for entry level jobs, post-school apprenticeships or traineeships in priority industries in South Australia, while Stackable VET, provides pre-vocational skills, work preparedness and the opportunity to try out different areas before committing to a FIP.

The Department works with RTOs to ensure the delivery of the endorsed VET courses to school students is of the highest quality.

Ensuring quality VET courses for school students is important to raise the profile of VET as a valued pathway option and to prepare young people with the skills needed for the jobs in South Australia.

Students can also undertake quality vocational education and training (VET) while at school by attending a Technical College – the first one at Findon opens next year. They will have access to industry training programs that include VET suitable for school students and other aspects of skills development relevant to the industry sectors.