Trade Training Centres

Timetabling

Trade Training Centre (TTC) and Australian Technical College (ATC) host schools and VET coordinators are strongly encouraged to work with their VET cluster to determine the most appropriate timetabling arrangements for VET delivery that maximises the use of the TTC or ATC facilities.

Effective timetabling will reflect the needs and preferences of students in the VET cluster, along with available facilities and VET trainers.

Common approaches to timetabling include block timetabling, spread timetabling, and integration of VET classes into school timetables. In some cases, a hybrid timetabling approach can be taken.

Block timetabling

Block timetabling is the scheduling of all VET delivered to school students on a set number of days each a week. These days are agreed by the VET cluster schools and align their timetables to enable VET participation. For example, VET may be scheduled only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Advantages of this approach may include:

• delivering VET in longer sessions with time for the introduction and consolidation of skills
• simplifying the coordination of VET access and transport across a network of schools
• enabling delivery of other learning at the facility on days not designated for VET, such as Year 9 and 10 classes that let students explore vocational pathways.

Host schools are encouraged to work with their VET cluster to determine when the facility can be used on days it is not used for delivery of VET to school students.

Spread timetabling

Spread timetabling is the scheduling of VET delivery to school students on most or all weekdays. This requires agreement between VET cluster schools, who adjust school timetables to suit VET availability. For example, different schools may use the facility on different days to deliver VET courses.

The TTC or ATC may use a learning space booking system to manage this approach.

Advantages of this approach may include:

• allowing for flexible timetabling to increase use of the facility
• accommodating schools with diverse approaches to timetabling, students undertaking a variety of senior secondary programs, and a need for a wide range of available slots
• allowing for flexible or additional VET trainer hours to support staff attraction and retention.

Challenges may include securing the necessary commitment from VET cluster schools to adjust timetables and release students to attend the facility at a variety of days and times.

Integrated timetabling

Integrated timetabling is the scheduling of VET delivery to suit available spaces in school timetables. Schools work together to determine times for VET delivery that align with student availability.

An advantage of this approach may be that it provides flexibility in when VET is delivered, to suit a variety of school and students.

However, it presents challenges for schools with a timetable that is not easily aligned with other schools to enable participation in a VET course. This can potentially restrict student access.

Hybrid timetabling

Hybrid timetabling incorporates a mix of block, spread or integrated timetabling. In some cases, this helps the facility overcome challenges and makes the most of opportunities to increase delivery of VET to school students, generate revenue, manage its workforce or lift engagement.

For example:

• a combination of block and spread timetabling
• a combination of block and integrated timetabling, with VET available in a variety of periods on a block day
• a combination of spread and integrated timetabling, such as encouraging schools to schedule VCE VM Literacy at the same time as VCE English to ensure availability for VET in a given period.

For case studies of how schools can manage timetabling, refer to Case Studies on the Resources tab.