MORE Wellington students are jump-starting their careers via the Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Schools (VDSS) program at TAFE Gippsland this year.
TAFE Gippsland has experienced an increase in VDSS enrolments in 2024, with the importance of vocational education and training to address the skills shortage and legitimate career pathways at the forefront.
TAFE Gippsland Chief Executive, Laura Macpherson, said the introduction of the Victorian Senior Secondary Reform last year enabled more students to include a vocational qualification into their secondary schooling providing opportunities for students to gain pathways into further education and employment.
“VDSS allows students to increase their career prospects and start their vocational training while still at school,” she said.
“This is a practical pathway students can take to complete their secondary education and assist them in achieving the career of their choice at the same time.
“TAFE Gippsland has welcomed 1135 students to its campuses for VDSS, which is an extra 230 students from 2023.
“These students are gaining hands-on, real-world experience in their chosen industry, which can lead directly to apprenticeships, traineeships, further education or to employment.”
VDSS students can choose from a range of course options including business, cookery, civil construction, hospitality, automotive, electrotechnology, allied health, building and construction, conservation and ecosystem management, agriculture, hair and beauty, animal care and early childhood education.