Who Are Your Stakeholders? Building a VETDSS Ecosystem
Behind every successful VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students) program lies more than just curriculum and assessment — it’s powered by people. Building an effective VETDSS ecosystem requires more than just delivering qualifications. It requires collaboration, communication, and connection across a diverse group of stakeholders, each with their own role to play.
Creating a cohesive VETDSS program means recognising and engaging every stakeholder group — from school leaders to students — and ensuring they work together toward a common goal: equipping young people with the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in the real world.
1. School Leadership
Role: Vision setting, strategic alignment, and resource allocation
School leaders — principals, deputy principals, and executive teams — are key drivers of VETDSS success. Their support determines whether VET is treated as a core component of the school’s vision or an optional extra. Leadership sets the tone for the value placed on vocational education.
How to engage:
- Include VETDSS in school strategic and improvement plans
- Allocate time, funding, and staffing to support VET initiatives
- Promote VET pathways in communications to staff and families
2. VET Coordinators and Teachers
Role: Program delivery, compliance, student support, and industry engagement
VET Coordinators are the operational heart of VETDSS. They liaise with RTOs, manage student enrolments, organise work placements, and ensure compliance with national and state training standards. Teachers (including VET-qualified and mainstream staff) play a vital role in delivering content, supporting students, and reinforcing the value of VET.
How to engage:
- Offer professional development in VET delivery and industry engagement
- Involve teachers in co-designing VET learning experiences
- Encourage collaboration between VET and academic teaching staff
3. Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
Role: Provide accredited training, assessment, and certification
RTOs are responsible for delivering the nationally recognised qualifications that underpin VETDSS programs. They ensure the training meets the standards of the Australian Qualifications Framework and remains aligned with industry requirements.
How to engage:
- Establish clear communication channels and service level expectations
- Regularly review course content and assessment requirements together
- Partner on student support, feedback, and continuous improvement
4. Employers and Industry Partners
Role: Offer real-world experience, mentorship, and skills insight
Industry partners bridge the gap between classroom and workplace. They provide structured workplace learning, guest speaking, site tours, and feedback on curriculum relevance. Their involvement makes VETDSS practical and career-aligned.
How to engage:
- Invite local businesses to participate in program planning and delivery
- Provide recognition and regular updates on student progress
- Establish long-term partnerships built on shared outcomes
5. Parents and Guardians
Role: Influence student decisions and support participation
Parents play a major role in whether students choose (and stay in) a VET pathway. When they understand its value, they become advocates. When they’re unsure, students may miss out on opportunities.
How to engage:
- Host information nights and share real success stories
- Use clear, jargon-free communication about VET options
- Offer one-on-one career planning meetings involving families
6. Students
Role: Learners, ambassadors, and decision-makers
Ultimately, students are at the centre of the VETDSS ecosystem. Their interests, goals, and engagement levels shape the direction of programs. When students are well-informed, supported, and involved, they are more likely to thrive.
How to engage:
- Provide access to career education and taster programs early on
- Involve students in program design and feedback processes
- Encourage VET student ambassadors to share their experiences with peers
Building a Collaborative Culture
To build a thriving VETDSS ecosystem, schools must prioritise relationships, not just logistics. That means creating regular opportunities for stakeholders to connect, share feedback, and collaborate on shared goals. Establish advisory groups, host stakeholder forums, and use newsletters or reports to keep everyone informed and invested.
Final Thoughts
VETDSS is not just about courses — it’s about community. When students, families, educators, employers, and training providers work together, we create more than programs. We create pathways. Pathways to jobs. Pathways to confidence. Pathways to a future where every student can succeed.
Building a VETDSS ecosystem takes effort — but the rewards are real, lasting, and life-changing.