VET Delivered to School Students
Get a head-start in your career by studying a nationally recognised VET qualification during your VCE or VCAL.
If you're a high school student looking to get a head-start in your future career, the VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) program is for you. VDSS allows high school students to study a nationally recognised TAFE qualification as part of their secondary schooling. Pretty cool, right? Keep scrolling to browse our Course Guide, hear from staff and students in the program, and see if VDSS might be for you.
Down to the nitty-gritty of VDSS
How does VDSS work?
VDSS qualifications can be completed alongside your Year 10, VCAL, or VCE studies, and allow you to explore and gain new skills in the industries and career pathways that interest you.
As a VDSS student, you'll attend classes at GOTAFE one day per week, at either our Shepparton, Wangaratta, Seymour, Benalla or Online campuses. You'll combine VDSS study with your normal VCE or VCAL classes, and your VDSS course may even contribute towards your ATAR.
How do I enrol?
If you're a high school student, you can nominate a VET course as part of your normal course selection process with your school. Your school will then forward this information to us, and we'll contact you to arrange an information session.
If you're studying a VCAL course at GOTAFE, your VCAL coordinator can help you choose and apply for a VET course. Once we've received your expression of interest, the VET team will contact you to attend an information session.
Some FAQs about VDSS
VET Delivered to School Students Course Guide 2024
For more information on:
- What is VDSS?
- Who can enrol?
- Courses available
- Course costs and how much do I pay?
- VET contribution to VCE & VCE VM
- GOTAFE campuses
- VDSS Applications | The Process
- Things you need to know
- Duration & Attendance
- Your GOTAFE commitment
Where will I be studying?
VDSS courses are available at several locations across our Shepparton, Wangaratta, Seymour, Benalla and online campuses.
Specialised courses may be co-delivered at our partner institutions in these locations, such as GV Health in Shepparton, or Northeast Health in Wangaratta.
How much does it cost?
If you're in high school, we will charge your VDSS program fees directly to your school. Your school may ask you to pay all or part of these fees up-front to secure your place in the VET program.
Most government schools will only pass on the material charges to their VET students. Private, Independent and Catholic schools often determine their own fee structure so we encourage you to contact your school to identify what their payment expectations are.
If you're studying a VCAL course at GOTAFE, your VET fees will be charged alongside your regular tuition fees. Fees are determined individually based on eligibility and are dependent on government funding.
What if I need to withdraw from my course?
If you need to withdraw from your VET course, you will need to do so through your high school. It is the school's responsibility to let us know about your withdrawal.
If you withdraw after the 4-week census period, you will still be charged the full fees for your course.
If you're absent for six or more consecutive weeks without explanation or fall below 50% attendance, you may be withdrawn from the program.
Hear from our VDSS staff and students
In this video, GOTAFE trainers Bryan and Trevor talk though what's involved with a Plumbing course through the VDSS program.
Browse our YouTube playlist below to see which VDSS course tickles your fancy.
Browse our VDSS videos