VET in Schools has come a long way since its inception in Australian school curricula in 1996. These programs are now an integral part of every state and territory Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education, although the structure and delivery of VET in Schools varies across states and territories.

VET in Schools programs provide credit towards a nationally recognised VET qualification, with training that reflects industry-specific standards. Under these arrangements, students can undertake whole VET courses, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, or just a few VET subjects.

Schools can deliver these programs directly as registered training organisations, as is the case for most schools in Queensland and New South Wales. However, in Western Australia, VET in Schools is offered mainly by training providers. Partnerships are also common across the nation, where schools work with providers such as TAFE institutes to deliver training programs.

The last decade has also seen significant structural changes in arrangements for students participating in these programs. In New South Wales and Western Australia, the recent development of industry-specific courses aims to provide skills which will be of particular value on the job. These courses have strengthened the profile of VET in Schools in NSW.

Many states also offer stand-alone VET subjects and courses along with curriculum-based VET in Schools programs. School-based apprenticeships and traineeships, which have been implemented more substantially in Queensland, are also gaining popularity among students in other states.

Participation in VET in Schools has increased significantly in the last decade. Over 90% of senior secondary schools offer VET subjects and programs. And, nationally, over 40% of students participate in VET in Schools, with close to 9% of these students undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. More information on VET in Schools and young people can be found at http://www.ncver.edu.au/students/31012.html