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), or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). 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 Community VCAL, then government schools may purchase all of the secondary curriculum from an external provider. Endorsement by the DET 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
- Community VCAL
- Purchasing Secondary Courses and Vocational Training from External Providers
- School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives, Vocational Education and Training chapter
- Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students
- Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary School Students (Reference 56 of the Student Resource Package Guide)
Contact
For assistance with queries relating to purchasing VET programs, contact your relevant school sector.
Government schools
Learning, Teaching and Pathways Division, Department of Education and Training
Email vet.secondary@education.vic.gov.au or phone 03 7022 0923
Catholic schools
Catholic Education Commission of Victoria
Contact: Peter Devery Team Leader, Pathways and Transitions, Catholic Education Melbourne.
Email pdevery@cem.edu.au or phone 03 9267 0237
Independent schools
Independent Schools Victoria
Contact: Pam Hargreaves Education Consultant, Pathways
Email pam.hargreaves@is.vic.edu.au or phone 03 9825 7246
Reviewed 13 December 2021