The Hidden Heroes of VETDSS: VET Coordinators and Their Impact
Behind every thriving VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students) program is a dedicated, often unsung, hero — the VET Coordinator. These individuals are the vital link between students, teachers, school leadership, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), and industry partners. Their role is complex, dynamic, and absolutely essential to ensuring VETDSS runs smoothly, compliantly, and successfully.
While students might never see the full extent of a coordinator’s work, and school communities might not always recognise thedepth of their responsibilities, VET Coordinators are at the heart of every strong vocational program.
A Multi-Faceted Role
VET Coordinators wear many hats. They’re administrators, mentors, compliance officers, communicators, problem-solvers, and strategic thinkers. On any given day, a coordinator might be:
- Supporting students to choose the right VET pathway
- Liaising with RTOs to ensure delivery meets compliance requirements
- Arranging structured workplace learning or school-based apprenticeships
- Assisting teachers to integrate VET into the school’s broader curriculum
- Maintaining records, managing timetables, and reporting outcomes
- Engaging with parents, local employers, and industry networks
They are also responsible for ensuring that every VET qualification delivered meets both school expectations and national training package requirements — no small feat in a regulatory landscape that is constantly evolving.
Champions of Student Success
At the heart of every coordinator’s work is the student. VET Coordinators play a key role in helping students find the right vocational pathway — one that aligns with their strengths, interests, and future aspirations. They guide students through subject selection, support them with workplace preparation, and often become the go-to person when challenges arise.
Coordinators are instrumental in reducing barriers to participation. Whether it’s helping a student access financial support, adjusting timetables to reduce overload, or finding an appropriate work placement, these champions go the extra mile to make sure no one is left behind.
Bridge Builders Between Schools and Industry
Strong VETDSS programs are built on strong partnerships, and it’s the coordinator who nurtures these relationships. By working with local employers, TAFE institutes, RTOs, and community organisations, coordinators help shape programs that are current, relevant, and responsive to industry needs.
This means students graduate with real-world skills that match local job opportunities — a win for schools, students, and the economy.
How Schools Can Support VET Coordinators
Given the scope and impact of their role, it’s crucial that VET Coordinators are supported, resourced, and recognised. Here are a few ways schools can empower their coordinators to lead with confidence:
- Provide ongoing professional development, particularly in areas of compliance, industry engagement, and student support
- Ensure reasonable workloads that reflect the complexity of the role
- Include coordinators in leadership discussions to align VETDSS with school strategy
- Celebrate their successes and share their impact with the broader school community
- Encourage networking with other VET Coordinators to share best practices and resources
Final Thoughts
VET Coordinators may work behind the scenes, but their influence is felt across every aspect of a successful VETDSS program. They ensure compliance, enable opportunity, build partnerships, and most importantly, change lives. Recognising and investing in these hidden heroes isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for delivering high-quality vocational education.
If we want VETDSS to thrive, we must support the people who make it happen.