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Winmalee High School

Winmalee High School

A positive education and positive behaviour for learning school

Telephone02 4754 2822

Emailwinmalee-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Vocational Education Training (VET)

A male and female student in aprons and caps over their school uniform in a Hospitality class. The female student is looking down at a frypan and is stirring with a wooden spoon.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses focus on delivering skills and knowledge and achieving qualifications required for entry level in specific industries. They allow students to investigate and/or begin a career pathway while continuing studies at school, where they develop industry specific competencies, work ready skills and have practical and real experiences in 70 hours of work placement. Hospitality Certificate II in Kitchen Operations is currently offered at Winmalee High School.

 

Students in NSW have the option of studying VET courses at school or through TAFE NSW or other training providers.

Three students in white aprons and caps over their school uniform in a Hospitality class

Students in Years 9 and 10 may access VET courses through two curriculum pathways:

 

Stage 5 VET Board Endorsed courses

 

Early commencement of Stage 6 VET courses.

 

VET courses can only be delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs) that meet national standards and have the relevant qualification and units of competency on their scope of registration.

 

For NSW school students in Years 9-12 VET is 'dual-accredited'. Students receive recognition towards their school qualification (Record of School Achievement or HSC), as well as a nationally recognised VET qualification (Certificate or Statement of Attainment). (Source: VET, NESA site)

@thecaffeinelab

@thecaffeinelab is a creative, unique and holistic practical learning experience for students at Winmalee High School who are enrolled in the courses, VET Hospitality Kitchen Operations or Food and Beverage, operating from the school’s on-site Hospitality Trade Training Centre.

@thecaffeinelab operates weekly before school to provide the school and broader community, service of on-trend café style menus. During service time, approximately 120 meals, 60 espresso coffees and 50 beverages are prepared and served in 60 minutes. Major school functions throughout the year also access the resources of @thecaffeinelab, including Presentation Night, Open Night and Year 6 Orientation, and P&C fundraising events with service provided for up to 300 guests.

@thecaffeinelab also operates alfresco from The High Ground; an industrial style, environmentally sustainable learning and living space located within the school grounds, leading the way towards a goal of zero waste impact from the Hospitality unit. 

Close up of industrial coffee machine with two hands holding a group handle filled with ground coffee

@thecaffeinelab has been accredited as an industrial standard workplace and is recognised as such by many local businesses, in addition to Student Industry Partnerships. This unique and creative experience allows students to gain practical holistic learning in all areas of Hospitality study over a 12 month period, completing a mandatory work placement on site in a safe and productive environment. The extended length of work placement allows all students every opportunity for success, developing confidence and competency in their Certificate Training.

Furthermore, the safe learning environment promotes peer empowerment with competent students taking on the role of peer trainers.