Making VET Core: Moving from ‘Add-On’ to Integrated Learning Pathways

For too long, Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) has been viewed as the “alternative” — a secondary option for students who aren’t on an academic track. This perception not only limits student choices, but also undermines the value of practical, skills-based learning in preparing young people for the world beyond school.

The reality is this: VET isn’t a backup plan. It’s a powerful, purposeful, and increasingly essential part of a modern education system. To truly support diverse learners and workforce demands, schools must move VET from the margins and place it at the centre of curriculum planning.

By embedding VET into mainstream education, schools can offer integrated learning pathways that support all students — whether they’re heading to university, an apprenticeship, further study, or straight into employment.

The Case for Integration

Vocational learning delivers real qualifications, industry-recognised skills, and career clarity. It bridges the gap between school and the workforce, offering students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical, hands-on environments. VET helps students develop employability skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving — all of which are vital in today’s fast-evolving world of work.

When VET is offered only as a niche program or a last resort, it fails to reach the full spectrum of students who could benefit. Integrating VET into the core curriculum affirms its value and ensures that all students have equal access to pathways that align with their strengths, interests, and ambitions.

Step 1: Shift the Narrative

Changing how VET is positioned starts with language. Move away from framing VET as “non-academic” or “hands-on” only. Highlight its relevance across a broad range of industries — from construction to cyber security, from early childhood education to event management.

Use stories of student success, alumni outcomes, and industry partnerships to reshape the narrative. Show students, parents, and staff that VET is not a step down — it’s a step forward.

Step 2: Embed VET in Subject Selection and Timetabling

When VET is treated like an add-on, students often struggle to balance it with other subjects. That can lead to dropouts, clashes, or compromised academic performance. Schools must embed VETDSS options into the subject selection process from the outset, presenting them alongside core academic subjects as equally valid choices.

Timetables should allow for VET to be delivered without requiring students to sacrifice other learning opportunities or attend outside school hours. This may include block scheduling, blended delivery, or negotiated flexibility in senior subject loads.

Step 3: Align VET with Career and Curriculum Planning

VET should not exist in a silo. Schools can create stronger connections between VET and core learning areas through cross-curricular planning and contextualised learning. For example, a student studying a Certificate III in Business may also be enrolled in economics or digital technology. A hospitality student may apply mathematical concepts in food costing or measurement.

Work with teaching teams and career advisors to design integrated pathways that show students how their VET qualification fits within a broader learning journey.

Step 4: Support and Celebrate VET Success

Visibility is key. Celebrate VET student achievements just as proudly as ATAR results or university acceptances. Include VET in awards nights, newsletters, and parent-teacher interviews. Promote school-based apprenticeships and traineeships as prestigious, career-building options.

Ensure students in VET pathways are supported with tailored academic, wellbeing, and career planning assistance — not left to “figure it out” on their own.

Step 5: Involve the Whole School

VET integration is a team effort. Train staff across departments to understand and promote vocational learning. Involve mainstream teachers in supporting students with dual enrolments. Build a whole-school culture that values multiple forms of success and understands the importance of skilled, job-ready graduates.

Final Thoughts

Making VET core is about more than adding a few more options to the handbook — it’s about redefining what success looks like in schools. It’s about honouring the skills, aspirations, and futures of every student.

When vocational education is integrated, supported, and celebrated, we move beyond outdated divides and create real pathways for every learner — not just the few who fit a traditional academic mould.

VET belongs at the centre. Let’s put it there.