VET for Secondary Schools
Vocational Education and Training (VET) provides students with hands-on, practical learning experiences and the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge relevant to a range of industries. It’s a fantastic way for students to explore their interests, build confidence, and gain a head start toward future study or employment
St Philip's College has a very active VET program. Participation is optional and is not a part of the compulsory school curriculum. These courses are delivered by external training providers and placements are not guaranteed.
Some of the proposed subjects available in 2026 are:
- Certificate III Business (NTPFES)
- Certificate III Business
- Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies
- Certificate III in Hospitality
- Certificate II Salon Assistant
- Certificate II in Community Services
- Certificate I Automotive Vocational Preparation
- Certificate II Automotive Vocational Preparation
- Certificate II Retail Cosmetics
- Certificate II Plumbing Services
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology
- Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- Certificate III Applied Languages (Arrernte)
- Certificate III Music
Students should speak to the VET and School-Based Apprenticeship coordinator about enrolling in these opportunities, or participating in a School-Based Apprenticeships.
Congratulations Lucy Southam – Gold Medallist at WorldSkills VETiS Nationals!
Congratulations St Philip's College student, Lucy Southam, who in 2025 returned from the Australian National WorldSkills VETiS Competition in Brisbane with a Gold Medal in her category.
The Australian WorldSkills Competition is a national event that highlights the talents and technical skills of young Australians across a wide range of vocational and trade sectors. It offers students, apprentices and trainees a platform to demonstrate their capabilities, benchmark themselves against national industry standards, and gain recognition in their chosen careers.
In 2025 the competition had over 600 participants from across the country, competing in hands-on challenges in areas such as construction, hospitality, beauty, information technology and engineering. Each competitor is assessed by industry experts on technical skill, creativity and workplace readiness.
Lucy was one of 10 talented competitors from the Northern Territory, representing both Alice Springs and Darwin, and competed in the VETiS Make-Up Services category. She is currently completing a School-Based Apprenticeship with Eco Beauty. She has already achieved her Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics through Charles Darwin University (CDU) and is now working toward her Certificate III in Beauty, gaining valuable industry experience alongside her academic studies. She is being trained by CDU trainer and former St Philip’s College student, Ella Adami.
Lucy’s success is a great example of what can be achieved through commitment, hands-on learning, and following one’s passion.
We acknowledge the Arrernte people as the traditional custodians and first educators of Mparntwe. Our school is home to students from nations all around the world. We ‘strive’ to work with and continue learning from First Nations people. We ‘seek’ to be a part of Australia’s reconciliation journey by engaging in truth-telling. We aim to ‘care’ for Country through connection and environmental education. We pay our respects to elders past and present and thank them for their care of Country and sharing of knowledge.