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Vocational education is a form of tertiary education that intends to provide the skills and experience needed for a person to enter a specific industry. It is often referred to as Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Career and Technical Education (CTE). In Australia, vocational education and training are mostly post-secondary. However, some senior schools do offer school-based apprenticeships and traineeships for students in years 10, 11, and 12.

Australia’s VET sector is based on a partnership between governments and industry. VET qualifications are provided by government institutions, called Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions and some private institutions. Vocational education covers a large number of careers and industries such as office work, retail, hospitality and technology.
According to The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), VET qualifications range across four levels of certificates (Certificate I, II, III and IV), Diploma, and Advanced Diploma. The duration and possible career outcome of these qualifications are:
VET providers can include:
Some universities and schools also provide VET.
According to The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), VET qualifications range across four levels of certificates (Certificate I, II, III and IV), Diploma, and Advanced Diploma. The duration and possible career outcome of these qualifications are:
| Degree | Duration | Career Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate I | 4 - 6 months | competent operator |
| Certificate II | about 1 year | advanced operator |
| Certificate III | about 1 year | qualified tradesperson or technician |
| Certificate IV | 12 - 18 months | supervisor |
| Diploma | 18 - 24 months | para-professional |
| Advanced Diploma | 24 - 36 months | junior manager |
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Unlike higher education, VET courses emphasise more on occupational skills rather than theory. It covers the following areas:
The VET courses require students to complete their study and assessments at their training institutions to demonstrate that they have obtained the required skill levels.