Monivae Students Recieve National Awards
For the fifth consecutive year, Monivae College, has had two students awarded an Australian Vocational Student Prize. Erin Kirkup and Billy McNeil, students of the Class of 2010, were recently awarded this prize for their outstanding work in Vocational Education and Training (VET) last year, being two of only 500 students Australia wide to receive the award.
On top of this award, Billy was also awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Skills Excellence in School. This outstanding achievement was for ‘Electro Communications and Energy Utilities'. Within his final two years at Monivae College, Billy has completed his Certificate III in Electrotechnology and a school-based apprenticeship through the Western District Health Service. Since graduating, Billy has taken on a full time apprenticeship as an Electrician.
Erin was awarded her Australian Vocational Student Prize for undertaking her Certificate III in Media, whilst completing her secondary studies.
Mr Simon McKinley, Director of Development said that Monivae College is proud of all its students who undertake Vocational Education and Training or school-based apprenticeships, and both Billy and Erin's achievements deserve to be recognised within the community.
"We are full of praise of the two students and a big thank-you must go to former VET and VCAL Coordinator, Ms Anne Gough."
"It is a great accomplishment for both Erin and Billy and they should be proud of their efforts. For Billy, to also be recognised with a Prime Minister's Award highlights his skills and we wish him well as he embarks on his career."
The rewards also highlight the tireless work of former VET/VCAL Coordinator Anne Gough who submitted the 4,500 character applications on behalf of the students. The awards were a fitting bookend for Anne as she recently left Monivae College to enjoy her retirement.
Monivae College is having continual success with its Vocational program, and five consecutive years of receiving major awards is a credit to both the students and their associated teachers. Monivae will look to continue this success with Murray Silver as the VET/VCAL Coordinator for 2011.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET programs enable students to undertake accredited vocational studies within the VCE that count toward the ATAR, and are an integral part of VCAL. In addition, students obtain an AQF and nationally recognised VET Certificate through partnership arrangements with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), training consultants, and industry.
VET can be studied as either a VET in Schools (VETiS) program through an RTO, as an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship (ASBA), which is integrated into the school curriculum or as a Part-Time Apprenticeship.
VET courses generally take two years and are often commenced in Year 10 by students considering the VCE pathway as extended hours of training and structured workplace learning make considerable demands on students' time. Similarly for a Year 10 student considering VCAL a VET course at Year 10 provides the opportunity to commence a vocational pathway that can be further enhanced through the VCAL program.
VET Options
1. VET in schools (VETiS)
- Automotive Technology Studies
- Building & Construction
- Engineering
- Hospitality Operations
- Media
- Retail Operations
- Make-Up
- Hairdressing
- Music
- Equine
2. Australian School-Based Apprenticeships (ASBA). Most programs that have credit arrangements corresponding to the VCE VET program.
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Building and Construction
- Community Service
- Engineering
- Hospitality
- Information Technology
- Business
- Retail
- Food Processing
- Horticulture
- Seafood
- Sport & Recreation
3. Part-time Apprenticeships.
- Various by consultation.
For ASBAs in other vocational areas there are block credit arrangements that enable Certificate II level courses to equate to VCE Units 1& 2 and Certificate III level courses to VCE Units 3 & 4.
For more information about this area of study contact VET/VCAL Coordinator Nicola Ives on (03) 5551 1200 or via nives@monivae.vic.edu.au