Policy
This policy outlines the requirements for purchasing secondary courses and vocational training from external providers.
Summary
- Schools have primary responsibility for the delivery of senior secondary curriculum to their enrolled students.
- To offer Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, schools must enter into contractual arrangements with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) if the school is not a registered RTO themselves, or if the school is a registered RTO but is not registered to provide the particular program it is seeking to offer.
- All government schools entering into arrangements with RTOs must have a valid, signed contract or agreement with the RTO for the delivery of VET programs.
- Refer to the Guidance tab for further information on how to purchase VET from external providers, including template contracts and agreements. These templates are also available on the Resources tab.
Details
To offer VET programs, schools often enter into arrangements with external providers to deliver part, or all, of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), including the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC). External providers may include:
- TAFE providers
- Private providers (RTOs)
- Registered schools, including both government and non-government that are also RTOs, and
- Learn Local providers that are also RTOs.
Non-government schools
Non-government schools that plan to purchase part of their senior secondary curriculum from external providers may obtain advice from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria or Independent Schools Victoria.
Re-engagement programs
If it is a re-engagement program, for example a VCE, including the VCE Vocational Major and VPC contract then government schools may purchase all of the secondary curriculum from an external provider. Endorsement by the DE regional officer is required for this.
Where the program is run by another provider there must be a written agreement between the school and the provider detailing the responsibilities of each party and the fee arrangements that are in place.
For further information refer to the Re-Engagement Programs Policy.
Related policies
- School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students
- Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students (Reference 143 of the Student Resource Package Guide)
Contact
For assistance with queries relating to purchasing VET programs, contact your relevant school sector.
Government schools
Schools can contact the Jobs Skills and Pathways Manager in their regional in the first instance.
Catholic schools
Victorian Catholic Education Authority
Contact: Simone Best
Senior Officer, Pathways and Transition
Email sbest@vcea.catholic.edu.au or phone 03 8417 9356
Independent schools
Independent Schools Victoria
Contact: Maria Floudiotis
Education Consultant – Careers
Email maria.floudiotis@is.vic.edu.au or phone 03 9825 7246
Reviewed 19 March 2025