Career development

Details coming shortly

A Flexible Industry Program (FIP) allows students to combine school-based learning with Vocational Education and Training (VET). These programs are tailored to meet the needs of specific industries and help students develop practical skills while completing their SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education).

FIPs aim to prepare students for employment or further education by offering industry-relevant training and qualifications.

Importantly, a flexible industry program is flexible — students are not locked into one specific path or set of options.

Types of flexible industry programs

1. Off-the-Job Training – VET for School Students (VFSS)
These programs incorporate nationally recognised VET certificates into school schedules. They may include workplace learning, depending on the course and industry.

2. On-the-Job Training – School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)
In an SBAT, students partner with an employer and start an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. These programs combine part-time work, vocational training and school education

Students usually spend part of the week at school and the other part at their workplace or training provider, gaining real-world experience and working towards a nationally recognised qualification. The balance of these can change over senior school, with a year 12 potentially being able to work full-time and still be on track for SACE completion.

Industry areas

The Department for Education has identified key industry areas with high job growth and skills demand. Students can access subsidised and school supported qualifications in these areas. Not all options are available at every school or location, so it is important to research and speak with the school about what’s possible.

Explore the Student Pathways SA for videos and information about each pathway.

Examples of flexible industry program options

Agribusiness, food and wine/ beverages

• • • • Agriculture
      • Animal care and racing industry
      • Aquaculture
      • Conservation and land management
      • Food processing
      • Forestry
      • Horticulture
    • Construction, mining
      • Building and construction
      • Civil construction, resources and infrastructure
      • Plumbing
    • Creative industries, arts, finance, technology and business
      • Business
      • Cyber and information technology
      • Information technology
      • Screen and media production, game development and visual effects
    • Defence and space technologies
      • Engineering
    • Early educators, health, human services, sport and recreation
      • Aged care and disability
      • Early childhood and education
      • Health support
      • Sport and fitness
    • Electrotechnology, energy, gas, renewables and hydrogen
      • Electrotechnology
    • Manufacturing and automotive
      • Automotive retail, service and repair
      • Engineering
      • Manufacturing
    • Retail, tourism, hospitality and personal services
      • Hair and beauty
      • Hospitality and tourism
    • Transport and logistics
      • Transport and logistics

VET delivery options (VFSS – Off-the-job training)

Students can access VET training:

Off campus

• • • Training at registered training organisations (RTOs) such as TAFE SA or private providers.
    • School-hosted programs delivered by RTO trainers on school sites.

On campus at Aberfoyle Park High School

• • • Certificate II in construction pathways (building and construction) – in partnership with ATEC
    • Certificate III in information technology (cyber & IT) – in partnership with AIBT

Note: Students must arrange their own transport to off-campus training sites.

Starting your flexible industry program journey

To get started, senior students should complete the FIPs interest form. From there, you will be invited to a meeting to explore options and be sent all the process to begin the application process.

These meetings are student-centered, with information shared with parents and caregivers to support decision-making.

The below videos outline completing the requested paperwork –

VETRO evidence and processes

Providing VET Referral Information

2026 entry timelines for year 10 and 11 students

Term 2 week 9 and 10 – information shared, and interest form open

Term 3 week 1 to 3 – flexible industry program meetings with students

Term 3 week 4 – career pathway planning days

Frequently asked questions

VET application and enrolment process

To enrol in a VET certificate, students must complete the VET Readiness Orientation (VETRO) process.

Application requirements:

• • • Evidence of interest and industry experience (e.g., curriculum links, work experience, “come and try” sessions, volunteering or paid work).
    • Completion of all provider application forms.
    • A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment, required for all subsidised courses.

Resources for LLN preparation:

• • • CSPA practice material
    • Literacy and numeracy quizzes

Students must also create a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This can be done here.

Please note: Places are limited and not guaranteed. Applications should be submitted via the provided information as soon as possible in Term 3 and students are usually notified in term 4.

Fees

FIP training is heavily subsidised by the SA Government, but student contribution (gap) fees still apply. These vary by course.

• • • Aberfoyle Park High School contributes $300 toward the gap fee using Department for Education funding.
    • If the course fee is less than $300, no fee is charged.
    • Families with School Card are not required to pay any gap fee.

Expectations for VET Students

• • • Students may miss regular classes for VET or work placement. They must manage their time and work with teachers and the senior leader – student pathways and careers to keep up with work set in these classes
    • Students must arrange their own transport to training and placement sites.
    • Some courses require work placement in a real or simulated workplace.
    • VET is delivered in an adult learning environment. Students must act accordingly. Poor conduct may result in withdrawal from the course and forfeiting fees.

Timetables and subject selection

Students must still complete a full subject selection load, including a VET/FIP option in web preferences. As course placement and training days are confirmed in term 4, students should:

• • • Keep reserve subject choices flexible.
    • Be prepared that their preferred VET course may not proceed.
    • Choose surrounding subjects that support career goals, personal interests, or skills development.

This could look like subjects which build worthwhile transferrable skills or knowledge, areas of passion or interest, or simply something completely different to have a break or a new challenge to develop another interest.

 

Details coming shortly