Choose Your VET Course Wisely

IT'S REWARDING WHEN YOU GET IT RIGHT.

Choosing your subjects for next year is an exciting time. An opportunity to learn something you are interested in that you connect with and want to learn more about. I'm sure you’re thinking about the glamorous things about each course, like hanging out in a gym, running, staying active and getting a large amount of SACE credits for all your physical prowess! Well, unfortunately, it’s not all like that. You do plenty of practical work, but the paperwork to justify it aligns with this.

In 2017, I was in year 11 and selected to do my Certificate III in Fitness as one of my subjects. I would get out of it a deeper knowledge of the training principles, hang out with like-minded friends, get a Certificate III, jump in the school gym, run outdoor fitness courses on the oval, and get 100 SACE credits. However, to be marked on all of that, a substantial amount of theory needed to be done.

Selecting the Certificate III in Fitness was an easy choice for me as it was the only VET course running at my school that I was interested in. I already had a good understanding of gym training and training in general, as I played soccer at the time. I wanted to understand better training others and learn the basic principles of training and nutrition personally.

To complete the course, I made sure to stay on top of the coursework and assessments that were set for me. This allowed me to have a stress-free end-of-year when exam season kicked off.

Since completing Certificate III in Fitness, I have entered the recreation space, managing the operations and lifeguards of an Adelaide aquatic centre. Whilst safety and lifeguard training are a passion of mine, from a community perspective, I want to see people in the facility keep moving.

On a personal level, the certificate has set me on the trajectory to study for a bachelor's degree in Health Science (Exercise and Nutrition) and understand the training principles within my endurance sports career.

When looking at a VET course, ask yourself some of these questions:

What job or qualifications will I get out of this course?

• Do these topics interest me?
• Am I capable of completing the coursework in an adult learning environment while also completing my school studies?
• Does the course content give me joy?

Make sure to weigh these questions up and the pros and cons of the courses you are considering. I fully encourage you to consider a Certificate III, but make sure to do your due diligence before selecting one so you can enjoy the course and achieve your goals. 

By Josh Fraser,