Australia
Students can undertake Vocational Education and Training (VET) as part of a senior secondary certificate and its completion by the student provides credit towards both a recognised VET qualification and a senior secondary school certificate within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
VET operates through nationally endorsed training packages and nationally recognised accredited courses. It is quality assured under the VET Quality Framework and the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), a set of nationally agreed standards that ensure the quality and consistency of VET throughout Australia. Delivery, assessment, and the issuing of VET qualifications are carried out in partnership with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). All RTOs, and the qualifications and statements of attainment they issue, must meet the VET Quality Framework standards or the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards. These quality assurance arrangements and requirements apply to all VET and to all qualifications issued by VET providers.
Access to VET while undertaking secondary education provides students with opportunities to gain an industry recognised vocational qualification, or gain substantial progress towards gaining one, while also achieving their senior secondary certificate of education. It keeps their options open while also strengthening their pathways into a range of post-school opportunities.
New Zealand
Vocational Pathways in New Zealand
Youth Guarantee initiatives are about improving the transition from school to further study, work or training. They provide a wider range of learning opportunities, make better use of the education network, and clarify pathways from school.
The Vocational Pathways provide new ways to achieve NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 and develop pathways that progress to further study, training and employment. Achieving NCEA Level 2 is the foundation for success in further education and the world of work. Level 3 builds upon this through shared opportunities across school, tertiary, and industry training. The Vocational Pathways provide a framework for students to show how their learning and achievement is valued in the workplace by aligning learning to the skills needed for industry.
For further information on Youth Guarantee initiatives and Vocational Pathways:
http://www.youthguarantee.net.nz/start-your-journey/
For information on Vocational Pathways Awards:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/vocational-pathways/
