Avoiding Burnout: How to Support Student Wellbeing in VETDSS
VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students) opens up incredible opportunities for young people — practical skills, real-world experience, and clear career pathways. But with these benefits comes the challenge of balance. Many VETDSS students juggle school commitments, vocational training, structured workplace learning, and even part-time jobs. For some, this fast-paced schedule leads to stress, fatigue, and ultimately, burnout.
Supporting student wellbeing isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s essential for retention, achievement, and overall success in VETDSS programs.
Understanding the Pressure
VETDSS students are often expected to manage a complex timetable. They might attend VET classes one or two days per week (often off-site), complete assessments, participate in work placements, and keep up with academic subjects. Add part-time work and personal responsibilities to the mix, and even the most capable students can feel stretched.
Recognising these pressures is the first step to building a supportive environment.
1. Build Flexibility Into the Program
Flexibility is a powerful tool in preventing burnout. Schools can offer:
- Reduced subject loads for students completing high-contact VET programs or SBATs (School-Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships)
- Block timetables or blended learning models to reduce scheduling conflicts
- Negotiated deadlines when VET commitments clash with academic assessments
These adjustments allow students to better manage their workload without compromising their learning.
2. Provide Access to Support Services
Wellbeing support should be embedded in the VETDSS experience. Ensure students have regular access to:
- Career counsellors or pathway advisors
- Mental health and wellbeing teams
- Mentors or check-in staff (such as VET Coordinators or Learning Mentors)
Regular check-ins, even informal ones, can help identify early signs of stress and offer timely support.
3. Promote Time Management and Self-Care Skills
Teaching students how to manage their time, plan ahead, and prioritise tasks helps them build lifelong skills and reduces last-minute stress. Workshops or mini-sessions on sleep, nutrition, stress management, and resilience can also be beneficial.
Encourage students to schedule downtime and maintain a balanced routine — not every hour has to be productive to be valuable.
Final Thoughts
Supporting student wellbeing in VETDSS is about more than catching problems – it’s about creating systems and cultures that prioritise balance from the start. When schools embed flexibility, provide proactive support, and teach wellbeing strategies, they empower students to thrive – not just survive – in their VET journey.