VET Brochure

Vocational Education and Training Courses

“At The King’s School, we provide our students with a VET course program that creates maximum global opportunities for students after they leave King’s. The VET courses offered at the School are packaged and delivered by our highly trained and qualified staff, in line with national standards and practices.

JACQUELINE CAMILLERI – DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMICS)

“ It is a joy to be a part of shaping students’ future careers, and it is wonderful to know that what they learn at King’s through the VET program can have a positive impact on how our Kingsmen contribute to society.

VET COORDINATOR

Jayden Taccori

Mr Jayden Taccori began teaching at The King’s School in 2015 after multiple years of working in the building industry. He is particularly interested in Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects and has been pivotal in establishing and facilitating the popular VET Construction course at King’s.

The VET courses not only provide a platform for students who already have a clear career goal, but they also provide practical life skills that will stay with the boys long after school. “I think it’s important to know that students who do well in a VET subject can also achieve a great ATAR,” says Jayden.

Jayden has a wealth of enthusiasm and is committed to raising the status of practical and vocational learning, enabling our community to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities, their potential, and how they can contribute to a successful, modern economy.

While VET courses have been an optional pathway for HSC students for many years, we have significantly broadened our on-site course offerings in recent times. The King’s School is committed to supporting VET programs on campus and there are dedicated classrooms and work areas at the Senior School for practical, hands-on lessons.

“It is a joy to be part of shaping students’ future careers, and it is wonderful to know that what they learn at King’s through the VET program can have a positive impact on how our Kingsmen contribute to society.”

DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMICS)

Jacqueline Camilleri

At The King’s School, we are committed to preparing our young men to take their place in the workforce or go on to further studies. Every student learns differently and there is no ‘onesize-fits-all’ approach to learning. For some students, learning takes place through practical experiences at school or in the workplace. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and can count towards a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC). These courses provide students with a practical hands-on style of learning, allowing them to achieve success in their chosen area, while providing them with real-world experience and workready qualifications.

VET programs in schools have significantly increased over the past decade, offering students the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate I, II or III at school, whilst completing their Higher School Certificate.

VET courses not only appeal to the interests and aptitudes of young people, but they also reflect the realities of the job market and its shifting demands for skills and training. The provision of industry and university-recognised VET courses expand opportunities for our students and enable them to move into the workforce with skills and confidence.

At The King’s School, we provide students with a VET course program that creates maximum global opportunities after they leave King’s. The VET courses offered at the School are packaged and delivered by highly trained and qualified staff, in line with national standards and practices. We are also supported by a dedicated team of VET professionals, who

regularly audit each school’s performance against the National Standards of Registered Training Operations (RTOs). These courses are designed to complement student interests, school specialisations, and provide experiences that lead to the development of transferable skills. Whilst studying VET courses, students are required to apply their classroom learned industry skills in a real work environment, by completing mandatory work placement. Here at The King’s School, we have a rich diversity of relationships that exist amongst our community. We are currently establishing strong partnerships within the School community and with local businesses and industries. These relationships will provide a platform for high-quality work placement opportunities for our boys.

Not only do Stage 6 VET courses contribute to the HSC, but some can also contribute towards the ATAR. This pathway gives young people a significant advantage as they transition to further studies and work.

“ We are currently establishing strong partnerships within the School community and with local businesses and industries. These relationships will provide a platform for high-quality work placement opportunities for our boys.

Vocational Education and Training Courses

Construction at King’s

The Certificate II in Construction Pathways is an ATAR eligible, hands-on course that is proving to be a popular choice for students at The King’s School.

“Our Construction students are learning to plan and sequence a job, conduct themselves on a worksite and develop key problem-solving skills that can translate to a whole range of industries,” says Mr Jayden Taccori, VET Coordinator.

The course offers many real-world lessons in construction, including skills like concreting, site set-outs, floor/wall framing and deck building.

“The boys get so much satisfaction out of the work they are doing. Many of the projects are conducted around the campus, like building picnic benches for the grounds. By contributing to the School environment, students have a real sense of achievement and pride,” says Jayden.

Many of the students participating in the Construction course have a keen interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry. Other students see the course as an opportunity to have a break from the laptop and learn some building skills that they will continue to use for a lifetime.

The Certificate II in Construction Pathways provides students with an industry-recognised qualification, which gives boys a significant head start in becoming a fully qualified tradesman or provides pathways for alternative study options.

“Like any ATAR recognised VET course, students who perform well can still receive an excellent ATAR and go on to study at University,” says Jayden.

The King’s School is invested in the future of Construction, with plans for dedicated classrooms and workshop areas where students can learn how to operate tools and participate in practical lessons, regardless of the weather.

Construction

CPC20220 CERTIFICATE II IN CONSTRUCTION PATHWAYS

SOA TOWARDS CPC20120 CERTIFICATE II IN CONSTRUCTION

This intensive hands-on course gives students practical experience within the construction industry, while showcasing the many career paths available.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Carpenter

• Joiner

• Roof Tiler

• Plasterer

• Bricklayer

• Painter and Decorator

• Floor Finisher

• Concreter

KEY

This course can contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) where you can complete a minimum 240-hour course and sit the HSC examination.

This course includes mandatory work placement hours. This course is offered onsite at The King’s School.

ATAR WP OO

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Primary Industries provides hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and land management. Students gain practical skills in livestock care, machinery operation, fencing, and chemical application, preparing them for a dynamic career in the primary industries. This course aims to develop knowledge in essential farming practices and sustainable environmental stewardship.

Primary Industries

AHC20122 CERTIFICATE II IN AGRICULTURE

This course will allow students to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills within the agriculture industry. Students gain useful industry experience while developing key industry skills, aimed to prepare them for an entry-level occupation in agriculture.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Depending on the course pathway chosen and if further studies are acquired, this course can lead to career opportunities in farm work, green keeping and horticulture. Potential job roles include:

• Assistant Animal Attendant/Stockperson

• Assistant Farm or Station Hand

• Assistant Farm or Station Worker

• Assistant Farm or Station Labourer

• Assistant Green Keeper

• Assistant Horticulturist

This course can contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) where you can complete a minimum 240-hour course and sit the HSC examination.

This course includes mandatory work placement hours. This course is offered onsite at The King’s School.

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Lining me up for the future, Business Services have allowed me to engage in work placement programs. Involving myself with both the ASX listed LawFinance and Commonwealth Bank programs, I have learnt and equipped many valuable skills and understandings of the ‘financial’ world. Aligning with my aspirations to study commerce, finance or business next year, Business Services has strengthened my knowledge and played a beneficial role in my other electives (Business Studies and Legal Studies) - providing a beneficial escape from traditional ways of learning.

THOMAS KLEIJN (‘23)

Business Services

BSB30120 CERTIFICATE III IN BUSINESS

This course will provide students with learning opportunities to acquire a range of business, technology, interpersonal and organisational skills specifically related to business administration. Students will be equipped with essential business skills and knowledge that can be used in any business-related field.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be prepared to work in a range of business-related roles. Potential job opportunities include:

• Administration

• Advertising, Marketing, Sales

• Human Resources

• International Trade/Business

• Legal Receptionist Management

• Medical Administration

• Project Management

• Customer Service Officer

KEY

This course can contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) where you can complete a minimum 240-hour course and sit the HSC examination.

This course includes mandatory work placement hours. This course is offered onsite at The King’s School.

Fitness

SIS30321 CERTIFICATE III IN FITNESS

This course prepares you for a dynamic career in the fitness industry, focusing on customer service, exercise science, and nutrition. You will learn to design and monitor fitness programs, conduct pre-exercise screenings, and provide healthy eating advice. Ideal for active, outgoing individuals with strong communication skills.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Fitness Instructor

• Personal Trainer

• Leisure Service Officer

• Sport and Recreation Administrator Officer

KEY

This is a board endorsed course that contributes to your Record of School Achievement (RoSA) or HSC, but will not count towards your ATAR.

This course includes mandatory work placement hours.

This course is offered onsite at The King’s School.

Board Endorsed Subjects Offered at King’s

Outdoor Recreation

SIS20419 CERTIFICATE II IN OUTDOOR RECREATION

This Certificate II is an entry level qualification for the Outdoor Leadership qualification pathway. It delivers the basic foundations for future leadership certificates and is designed for assistants involved in the delivery of outdoor recreation activities.

This qualification in Outdoor Recreation is offered to those students who are part of the Roping Platoon within our existing Cadets program.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Outdoor Adventure instructor

• Management

• Outdoor guide

• Sports coach

• Program coordinator

KEY

This is a board endorsed course that contributes to your Record of School Achievement (RoSA) or HSC, but will not count towards your ATAR.

This course is offered onsite at The King’s School.

BEC

Popular External TAFE Courses

Hospitality

ATAR WP

SIT20322 CERTIFICATE II IN HOSPITALITY

This course prepares students with the necessary skills to work in the food and beverage industry. Students will develop core industry skills in restaurant preparation, customer service, food and beverage handling, and principles of hygiene and food safety.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Food and Beverage Attendant

• Espresso Coffee Machine Operator

• Function Attendant

• Barista and Café Service

SIT20421 CERTIFICATE II IN COOKERY

This course focuses on ‘back of house’ skills and will give students the skills to prepare a restaurant, conduct basic food preparation and the principles of hygiene and food safety.

Automotive

WP

AUR20720 CERTIFICATE II IN AUTOMOTIVE VOCATIONAL PREPARATION

This course will give students a range of skills suitable for employment in the automotive industry. This stream of study focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills in performing minor service and preparatory work in the light or heavy vehicle mechanical area of the automotive industry.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Trade Assistant

• Vehicle Service Assistant

• Automotive Service Assistant

• Trainee Service Person

• Automotive Trainee and/or Automotive Apprentice

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Kitchen Hand

• Kitchen Assistant

KEY

ATAR WP

This course can contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) where you can complete a minimum 240-hour course and sit the HSC examination. This course includes mandatory work placement hours.

ATAR

Real Estate Practice and Property

CPP31519 CERTIFICATE III IN REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

This course gives students the foundation skills for a career in Real Estate. Upon completion, a student will have most of the units completed to apply for a certificate of registration as an assistant agent.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Real Estate Administration

• Property Office Administration

Engineering and Manufacturing

MEM10119 CERTIFICATE I IN ENGINEERING

MEM20422 CERTIFICATE II IN ENGINEERING PATHWAYS

In this course, students learn how to complete a range of engineering and manufacturing tasks, like welding and machining, and learn to use engineering tools and equipment to produce or modify objects, setting them up for a varied and fulfilling career.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Engineering Technician

• Fabrication Tradesperson

• Fitter and Turner

• Boiler Maker

• Mechanical Machinist

This is a board endorsed course that contributes to your Record of School Achievement (RoSA) or HSC, but will not count towards your ATAR.

This course includes mandatory work placement hours.

Entertainment Industry

Plumbing Introduction

CUA30420 CERTIFICATE III IN LIVE PRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

This course offers students a deeper understanding of the entertainment industry. Students will learn valuable skills in production, live performance and events. They will also receive a behind the scenes look into costume design, make-up, props, sets, lighting, staging and vision systems.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Camera Operator

• Photographer

• Production Assistant

• TV/Radio Presenter/Assistant

• Video and Motion Graphics Assistant

• Visual Effects Artist

• 2D/3D Animator

• 3D Modeller

• Rigger

CPC20720 CERTIFICATE II IN DRAINAGE

This course covers common and specialist areas for the plumbing industry including water, sanitary, drainage, mechanical services, roofing and gas services. Students learn how to use plumbing hand and power tools, work safely on roofs, install water service controls and devices, pump sets and heating systems, cut and join sheet metal, install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems, fabricate and install steel pressure piping, install LPG systems and many more skills.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Apprentice Plumber, Drainer and Gasfitter

• Apprentice Roof Plumber

KEY

This course can contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) where you can complete a minimum 240-hour course and sit the HSC examination. This course includes mandatory work placement hours.

This is a board endorsed course that contributes to your Record of School Achievement (RoSA) or HSC, but will not count towards your ATAR.

Automotive: A Popular Choice for Kingsmen

Many primary and supplementary skills are gained from learning the theory behind something, but learning experiences are enhanced through hands-on, project-based activities. This is why VET courses, such as the Automotive course, are proving to be a popular choice for Kingsmen.

This course is studied off-site at a TAFE venue, allowing boys to have an authentic experience with professionals who are well-equipped with the skills required to teach students the practical and theory components of automotives.

The Automotive course teaches real-world skills that not only appeal to the students’ interests, but also enable them to gain knowledge that can be used both professionally and personally.

The course teaches boys how to take apart engines, remove transmissions, rotate tires, general servicing requirements, and inspect brakes, cooling, steering and suspension systems.

“Being a boarding school, we have many students from the country who return home to work on the family farm once they have graduated. For our farming students, the course provides many transferrable skills to enable them to better assist with servicing the farming equipment back home,” says Mr Jayden Taccori, VET Coordinator.

The course does not just attract boys who are planning to work within the field. The skills acquired through the Automotive course can be applied in many other ways.

“Teaching students the ability to diagnose and perform basic car services is a valuable life skill that the boys appreciate, and it’s proficiencies such as these that help to build confidence in boys as they transition from school to adult life,” says Jayden.

In 2022, King’s student Hugh Davies received second place in the State for the Automotive course. Hugh chose the course knowing he would not pursue a career in mechanics, but he hoped to acquire skills and knowledge in the field and apply them to everyday life.

“I was interested in mechanics and I wanted to learn the theory behind it, which is why I chose the Automotive course. Older boys had told me that it was a great course, and I knew I would be gaining useful skills that I could take with me when I returned to our family farm,” says Hugh Davies (’22).

Hugh says that the highlight of the course was the practical, hands-on experiences working with gearboxes and engines. The theory side provided him with a wellrounded knowledge of mechanics, particularly in auto electrics.

“I am not planning on pursuing a career in automotives, but as I live and work on a farm, the skills I have learnt are always useful. It has been great having a more indepth knowledge of mechanics as a result of studying the course,” says Hugh.

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I will remember King’s as a place where I had endless opportunities and the chance to try anything. I will also remember it as a place where I made lifelong friendships and learned many life lessons.

Sean Graham (‘22)

VET COURSE: PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Sean was an admirable Kingman who was well respected by his teachers and peers. He committed himself whole-heartedly to The King’s School experience, making many positive contributions over his six years at the Senior School.

“The best lesson I have learned at King’s is to be yourself and enjoy things that interest you. When you are passionate about something, you have the drive to achieve better results.”

Sean was an exceptional Vocational Studies student who was recognised for his efforts in the Primary Industries and Business Services category at the 2022 Rotary Youth Vocational Education Awards, winning the award for Primary Industries VET.

Industrial Technology was another HSC Subject in which Sean excelled. He received an InTech nomination for his major work, a canopy which he believes was one of his proudest achievements.

As a keen sportsman, Sean represented the School in the 1st Water Polo team and was honoured with the position of Water Polo Captain. He received Full Colours in Water Polo in 2020, 2021 and 2022. He is also a competitive swimmer and was a member of the GPS Premiership winning Team in 2022, receiving Honour Colours in Swimming.

As a student who pursued the VET pathway, Sean believes it is important to choose subjects you enjoy. “Don’t place too many expectations on yourself, because there are many different pathways you can take to get where you want to go in life.”

Sean is an excellent example of how boys with the right attitude can graduate through the Industry Pathways option and be set up for a bright future. Sean has decided to use his skills acquired through the Primary Industries course and is now pursuing a plumbing apprenticeship through TAFE.

“I will remember King’s as a place where I had endless opportunities and the chance to try anything. I will also remember it as a place where I made lifelong friendships and learned many life lessons.”

Sean’s advice for future HSC students is, “take every opportunity you are given and enjoy it, because before you know it, it will be over.”

FAQS

HOW DO VET COURSES DIFFER FROM OTHER COURSES OFFERED AT SCHOOL AND HOW ARE STUDENTS ASSESSED IN VET COURSES?

VET courses differ from other courses offered at school as they are ‘competency’ based. This means that students are provided with the necessary training, skills and knowledge required by industry. The student’s competency is then assessed against these industry standards.

Demonstrating competency indicates the student can perform the task or show an understanding of the level required by industry standards. When a student can successfully demonstrate they are competent against a particular standard, they will be judged as “competent”. There is no pass/fail. Students are either “competent” or “not yet competent”.

Students will have a number of opportunities throughout the course to demonstrate competency. The assessment process does not compare a student’s progress against another, yet compares each individual against the performance criteria set by the industry. Competencies can be assessed either in class or on work placement, through observations, written assignments, portfolios, tests, etc.

CAN A VET COURSE CONTRIBUTE TO A STUDENT’S AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY ADMISSION RANK (ATAR)?

VET courses are offered under two categories:

1. Board Developed VET Courses (courses within Industry Curriculum Frameworks). These courses have optional exams and consequently CAN contribute towards a student’s ATAR, if the optional final HSC examination is sat.

Some courses include:

• Automotive

• Business Services

• Construction

• Entertainment Industry

• Hospitality

• Primary Industries

2. Board Endorsed Courses (generally locally designed courses delivered by schools, TAFE NSW, and other Registered Training Organisations), CAN contribute unit credit towards a student’s HSC, however, do NOT count towards their ATAR.

Some courses include:

• Aviation (Remote Pilot)

• Engineering Pathways

• Fitness

• Furniture Making Pathways

• Outdoor Recreation

• Plumbing Introduction

• Real Estate Practice

HOW MANY VET COURSES CAN A STUDENT TAKE?

The number of VET courses studied depends on whether the student wishes to receive an ATAR

• ATAR Student: There are no limits set on how many VET subjects may be studied, however, guidance will be given as to what is appropriate for an individual’s circumstance. Any student wishing to receive an ATAR must ensure that they have at least 10 ATAR eligible units.

• Non-ATAR student: a student not wishing to receive an ATAR can complete up to three VET courses (depending on the days on which the courses are delivered).

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATES CAN YOU ACHIEVE AT THE END OF A VET COURSE?

Depending on the course completed and the units of competency achieved, a student can receive an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate I, II or III.

If a student does not achieve all of the units of competency throughout the course or if the course selected does not cover all competencies within that Certificate, the student will achieve

IS THERE A FINAL HSC EXAMINATION?

There is an optional external examination offered for students undertaking any Board Developed Courses – NESA framework courses. If a student DOES NOT wish to receive an ATAR, then they are not required to sit the final examination.

WHAT IS WORK PLACEMENT?

a Statement of Attainment towards the qualification. A Statement of Attainment is a document which lists only the units of competency that the student achieved as part of their course. These Certificate/Statement of Attainment documents are registered under a student’s ‘Unique Student Identifier’ (USI) and are recognised in all eight states/territories in Australia.

However, if a student wants their VET course to count towards the calculation of their ATAR, then they MUST sit the formal examination at the end of the year.

Work placement is an opportunity for students to apply their learned industry skills in a working environment. Work placement hour requirements vary between courses; however, students are required to complete the mandatory placements in their field to demonstrate and enhance their classroom learnt skills in a real workplace setting. Generally, students are required to complete 35 hours of work placement for every 120 hours of course work for a total of 70 hours over a two year course. If a student does not complete work placement, they will not meet NESA requirements and the course will not count towards their HSC/ATAR.

WHAT IS AN RTO AND WHO IS OUR RTO?

Registered Training Organisations (RTO) are training providers registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver VET services. VET courses can only be delivered by RTOs that meet national standards and have the relevant qualification and units of competency on their scope of

In addition to existing fees, for internal courses, there is a work placement cost (appropriately $180, billed annually for each VET course studied). Some courses also require students to buy PPE and undertake a White Card (approx. $110). In addition to

7 WHEN DO STUDENTS ATTEND EXTERNAL COURSES?

registration. The Association of Independent Schools NSW (AISNSW) works in partnership with The King’s School to achieve AQF and NESA course outcomes towards their HSC/ATAR. (RTO No. 90413)

9 ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VET COURSES?

External courses are typically run on a Tuesday afternoon during term time, at one of the many TAFE campuses around Sydney. Students leave class at 12.00pm, have lunch at school, before boarding a bus to be transported to their

existing fees, for an external course studied at a TAFE campus, parents can expect to pay between $1.5k to $4k. In some cases, the government may provide a subsidy which will be rebated against a student’s fees.

particular location. The class will usually finish around 5:306.00pm, then students are to make their own way back home or to the boarding house.