VET courses better than university for many students

Vocational educational and training (VET) has often been seen as the “soft option” for less academic students. Nothing could be further from the truth.

VET trade courses are the right option for many students.

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We hear often that Australia is facing a national skills shortage and that schools are not equipping students with the skills they need for work in the 21st century.

The traditional pathway to gaining skills and employment has been university.

However, a recent report found that half of students interviewed felt schools placed too much focus on university over other pathways, such as vocational education.

Technology has affected the nature of work, which, in today’s world, demands a different skill set.

VEt courses could help to address Australia’s skills shortage.

Central to this is ensuring all young people are on a continuous pathway to learning.

We know that not every child that comes to school is going to end up becoming a computer programmer nor is every child going to be working on a construction site. Every child comes to school with different interests and passions, and each of them deserves an opportunity to pursue them.

Every school needs to be flexible in terms of how it delivers­ learning.

A student takes a VET course in hair and beauty. Picture: Steve Tanner

Vocational educational and training (VET), which has been offered in schools for decades, is often seen as the “soft option” for students. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Many students incorporate VET into their choice of HSC subjects, often with great success. VET subjects can be included in a pattern of study for every student, including those who wish to receive an ATAR.

Students who select a VET subject have to balance the demands of academic study, training and work but in doing so, they receive a learning experience that is well-rounded, hands-on and highly relevant in terms of skills. It also gives them many more career options.

Schools need to move away from the notion that there is just one path for every student.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said that selecting a VET subject is more likely to lead to hi-tech and high- paying jobs.

As one principal told me, VET courses today are as good as any other subject on offer.

*Greg Whitby is the executive director of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.