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.
“ VET subjects don’t just lead to careers—they develop real-world skills that will stay with our boys for life. And it’s important to know that students who excel in VET can also achieve an excellent ATAR.
VET COORDINATOR Amelia Wootton
Amelia Wootton joined The King’s School in 2022, bringing with her a rich background in Finance and the Automotive Industry, along with a deep appreciation for vocational learning shaped by her upbringing in rural New South Wales. Having studied Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects herself as a student, Amelia understands firsthand the value of learning through doing—and the powerful way VET can equip students with practical skills while still offering an ATAR pathway.
Amelia is deeply passionate about VET, and her enthusiasm shines through in her commitment to showcasing the full breadth of opportunities VET provides—both on-site at King’s and through external providers. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of shaping our students’ futures,” she shares. “VET subjects don’t just lead to careers— they develop real-world skills that will stay with our boys for life. And it’s important to know that students who excel in VET can also achieve an excellent ATAR.”
As a strong advocate for raising the profile of vocational learning, Amelia is dedicated to helping families and the broader School community understand the diverse and evolving VET landscape, and how these programs are aligned with the demands of a modern economy.
The King’s School continues to expand its VET offerings, with a growing number of on-site courses now supported by purposebuilt classrooms and hands-on learning spaces at the Senior School. From Construction and Fitness to Business Services and beyond, students are thriving in practical environments that connect learning to life.
“It’s a joy to witness our students finding their passion—whether it’s on the tools, in a workshop, or through industry placements. What they’re learning here will have a lasting impact, not only on their own lives but on the contributions they’ll make to the world beyond school.”
DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMICS)
Jacqueline Camilleri
At The King’s School, we are committed to preparing our young men to confidently enter the workforce or pursue further studies. Recognising that every student learns differently, we embrace a variety of tailored educational approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all model. For some students, meaningful learning occurs through practical experiences in school or workplace environments. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), contribute to a student’s Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC). These courses provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, equipping them with essential skills and qualifications for their chosen pathways.
VET programs have significantly expanded in schools over the past decade, enabling students to gain nationally recognised qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), including Certificate I, II, or III, while completing their HSC. These programs appeal to a diverse range of students, offering flexible pathways into the workforce, TAFE, or university. Fields such as civil engineering, construction management, and architecture are especially well-suited to VET studies. Through practical lessons in areas such as building processes, safety procedures, and project management, students acquire critical skills and realworld experience. Strong results in HSC Construction can contribute to a student’s ATAR, bolster university applications, and even lead to advanced standing or credit in future studies. Most importantly, VET helps students identify their interests early and make informed
decisions about their career and education pathways.
At The King’s School, our VET course program provides students with global opportunities post-graduation. These courses are expertly delivered by highly trained staff, following national standards and practices. The program is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with the National Standards of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The curriculum is designed to complement student interests and school specialisations while developing transferable skills essential for success. As part of their studies, students undertake mandatory work placements, applying classroom-learned industry skills in real-world settings.
Our School is fostering strong relationships within the community, as well as with local businesses and industries, to create highquality work placement opportunities for our students. These partnerships enhance the learning experience, enabling students to gain firsthand insights into potential careers.
Additionally, Stage 6 VET courses contribute not only to the HSC, but can also improve a student’s ATAR, offering a significant advantage, as they transition into further studies or employment. This pathway empowers young people to succeed, providing them with critical skills, confidence, and a clear trajectory for their futures.
Vocational Education and Training Courses
Construction at King’s
Our Construction students are developing essential industry skills—learning how to plan and sequence tasks, conduct themselves professionally on-site, and strengthen their problem-solving abilities,” shares Amelia Wootton, VET Coordinator. “These skills are not only valuable in the construction sector, but are transferable across a wide range of industries.
The course provides students with a truly immersive, handson learning experience. From concreting and site set outs to framing walls and floors, and even constructing decks, students gain practical experience that connects classroom learning to real-world applications.
As part of the course, students participate in mandatory work placement, where they apply their knowledge in a real worksite environment. “Our students really shine during their placements,” Amelia explains. “They find the hands-on experience incredibly rewarding—it often helps them reflect on their future and explore post-school career pathways with greater clarity.”
Successful completion of the Certificate II in Construction Pathways gives students a nationally recognised qualification, equipping them with a strong foundation for apprenticeships, trade-based careers, or further vocational or tertiary study.
“ike many VET courses, Construction can contribute to a student’s ATAR and lead to university pathways to the ATAR, students who excel in Construction can absolutely pursue university pathways,” Amelia adds.
The impact of the program is reflected in outstanding 2024 HSC results. Among many achievements, Julian Da Silva earned 6th place in the state for the HSC Construction Examination—a remarkable feat. The Construction course at King’s delivered Band 6 results at five times the state average, with 30% of students achieving this top band, compared to 5.39% across New South Wales.
“These outcomes are a testament to the dedication of our teachers, the relevance of our VET courses, and the engaging, practical nature of the learning,” Amelia says.
Back on campus, students are actively involved in building projects that contribute to the School community. “They get so much satisfaction from their work—whether it’s building picnic benches or working on our tiny homes project, from the base right up to the roof,” Amelia shares. “It gives them a strong sense of pride and purpose, knowing they’re making a real contribution.”
Many students pursue the course with a long-term goal of entering the construction industry, while others simply enjoy the opportunity to step away from the screen and gain lifelong practical skills.
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
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
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.
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
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
Plumbing Introduction
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
While theory provides a strong foundation, real learning is often enriched through hands-on, project-based experiences. That’s why Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses like Automotive continue to be a popular option for students at The King’s School.
Delivered off-site at a TAFE campus, the Automotive course gives students the opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry professionals. These instructors bring deep knowledge and expertise, guiding students through both theoretical understanding and practical skills.
The course equips students with real-world abilities that are not only aligned with their interests but also valuable in both personal and professional contexts. Students learn to dismantle engines, remove transmissions, rotate tyres, carry out general servicing, and inspect key systems such as brakes, steering, suspension and cooling.
“As a boarding school, we have many students who return to work on family farms after graduation,” explains Amelia Wootton, VET Coordinator. “For these students, Automotive offers essential skills that can be applied directly to maintaining and servicing farming equipment back home.”
Importantly, the course is not just for those planning to work in the automotive industry. It offers practical life skills that benefit all students. “Knowing how to perform basic car maintenance builds independence and confidence—particularly as our students transition into adulthood,” adds Amelia Wootton.
A shining example of success is Hugh Davies (’22), who placed second in the state for the Automotive course in 2022. While Hugh did not intend to pursue a career in mechanics, he enrolled in the course to broaden his understanding and gain skills relevant to life on the farm.
“I’ve always been interested in how things work mechanically, and I wanted to understand the theory behind it,” Hugh explains. “Older boys had spoken so positively about the course, and I knew the skills I’d gain would be useful when I returned home.”
Hugh particularly valued the hands-on work with gearboxes and engines, while the theory component gave him a solid grounding in areas like auto electrics. “Even though I’m not going into the automotive industry, the skills I’ve learnt are incredibly helpful around the farm,” he says.
In recent years, students studying Automotive at TAFE have achieved considerable success, gaining practical skills and confidence that have supported their pursuit of apprenticeships. The course has played a key role in preparing students, including Leslie Rouse, Jett Myatt, Jack Clancy, Hunter Bowman and Oliver Rodrigues (Class of 2024), to explore opportunities in both Light and Heavy Vehicle apprenticeship pathways. Their experiences during the program have helped them build a strong foundation for their future careers.
This strong pathway focus, paired with high-quality training, continues to make Automotive one of the most dynamic and future-focused VET offerings at King’s.
“I believe that a Kingsman can blend comfortably into any stratum of society. A Kingsman can shake anyone’s hand with a firm grip while looking them in the eye.
KING’S GRADUATE
Jack Martin (‘23)
VET
COURSE: PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Aboarder at The King’s School for five years, Jack has established himself as a studious, focused and quietly determined young man with notable entrepreneurial skills.
He made significant contributions to the School’s co-curricular program through his strengths in Industrial Technology and Agriculture. In his senior years, he was involved in the Industrial Arts Club where he worked on impressive metal work projects. He is a director of two businesses in the areas of agriculture and finance and attained his Private Helicopter Pilot Licence with Piston and Turbine endorsements.
Jack was awarded the Primary Industries Prize at Graduation.
“Kings enabled me to expand my interests in Business, Agriculture and Metal Technology while studying for an ATAR.”
An enthusiastic participant in summer and winter sports, he represented the School in Summer Mountain Biking and 10th XV Rugby.
As Captain of Character within the Macarthur Waddy Boarding House and during everyday life at the School, Jack demonstrated the ability to collaborate and relate positively to others, showing sensitivity to their needs and responding to them thoughtfully. In living out the School values, he showed himself to be a person of great humility and integrity.
“My parents chose King’s because they wanted me to attain a broad learning experience that isn’t solely focused on ATAR performance. They also wanted me to learn the value of character, discipline and networking, and the School has provided valuable lessons in all of those areas that will remain with me for life.”
Jack plans to complete university part-time while continuing to run his businesses.
“I’m not yet set on a career, but I am considering opportunities in Commercial Property Development, in finance as a Fund Manager or Advisor, or providing services to the Mining Industry.”
King’s trains students in various aspects of leadership, value acquisition and service to others. Within this School, Jack has shown himself to be a fine influence for good.
“I believe that a Kingsman can blend comfortably into any stratum of society. A Kingsman can shake anyone’s hand with a firm grip while looking them in the eye.”
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.
6
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
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) 7 WHEN DO STUDENTS ATTEND EXTERNAL COURSES?
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VET COURSES?
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). Fitness students will be required to undertake a First Aid Course during their course (approx. $120) In addition to 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.
External courses are generally conducted on Monday or Tuesday afternoons during the school term at various TAFE campuses across Sydney. Students are required to leave class at 12.00pm, have lunch at school, and then board a bus
for transportation to their assigned location. Classes typically conclude between 5.30pm and 6.00pm. Afterward, students are responsible for making their own way home or returning to the boarding house.