Senior Phase of Learning Frequently Asked Questions
More options and flexibility in senior (including TAFE)
1. What flexible arrangements are available for students?
2. How do schools and TAFE work together to identify the training programs offered to young people?
2. a) Will TAFE deliver any vocational education and training program requested by a young person aged 15 to 17 years?
2. b) Are school students in the compulsory participation phase required to pay TAFE fees?
3. What if a young person starts one learning program and later realises they want to do something else?
4. What role do employers play?
5. How do school-based apprenticeships and traineeships work?
6. What sort of employment programs are being provided for young people at risk?
7. If young people get offered a job, can they take it?
8. Some parents want their children to follow a traditional, academic path. How do the new reforms affect that option?
9. Will traditional subjects still be taught in schools?
Despite the many options possible, a young person may benefit from a program that is not provided by a school, TAFE, registered training organisation or university, or a departmental employment skills development program 
provided by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
If the young person is at school, a flexible arrangement can be made, with the agreement of the young person and his or her parent or guardian. This might take the form of a month's participation in a life skills course run by a community organisation if that is deemed to be in the best interest of the young person.
In addition, the young person may participate in a non-departmental employment skills development program recognised by the Training and Employment Recognition Council.
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2. How do schools and TAFE work together to identify the training programs offered to young people?
Schools, employers, industry representatives, youth workers and other community representatives can influence training priorities through the local District Youth Achievement Plan (DYAP) process or equivalent. DYAPs aim to share resources, avoid duplication across schools and training providers, and address the education and training needs of local young people in the best possible way.
2. a) Will TAFE deliver any vocational education and training program requested by a young person aged 15 to 17 years?
TAFE provides a range of training options for young people aged 15 to 17 years, but there will be some circumstances where young people will not be able to access the training program of their first choice. TAFE's key focus is on providing training that will support people to gain sustainable employment.
Factors that will influence whether a particular course is offered include:
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Does the program provide skills that are needed by local employers (both now and in the foreseeable future?)
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Does TAFE have the facilities and qualified staff to offer the program?
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Does the student meet all pre-requisites for the program?
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Is there a reasonable number of students requiring the program?
If local communities, including schools, employers, or youth workers believe there is a need for particular programs, these should be raised through the District Youth Achievement Plan (DYAP) process or directly with the TAFE Institute.
Further information on programs offered by TAFE can be found on the TAFE website.
2. b) Are school students in the compulsory participation phase required to pay TAFE fees?
School students undertaking a vocational education and training (VET) qualification at TAFE as part of their secondary school studies are exempt from paying any TAFE tuition or student services fees for government-funded courses. Other fees and charges may apply, including administration or material fees.
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It is always possible for a young person to change his or her proposed pathway. The main learning provider (school, TAFE, private training provider) will help ensure the young person 's Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan continues to be relevant and, if required, will help find a better option.
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4. What role do employers play?
Employers can work closely with schools and training providers to provide work placement opportunities and guidance to help young people understand the world of work.
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School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) combine general study with training and work. Students work as paid employees one to two days a week or for blocks of time during school holidays. Training may occur at work or school or with TAFE or a private provider. Given their value in promoting employment related competencies, the Government has committed to work with employers to increase available SATs in the public and private sectors. More infomation on SATs is available at Apprenticeships Info .
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Employment programs that include employment preparation skills and training in the workplace are in place for young people aged 15 to 17 years who are at-risk of leaving school early or who have left school.
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Yes, if a young person has completed Year 10 or turned 16 they can take up full-time work (minimum of 25 hours per week). They will have opportunities to re-enter the education and training system later.
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The traditional academic path through senior schooling will be improved as university subjects and other courses and subjects will be recorded towards a Queensland Certificate of Education .
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All schools will continue to offer the best possible educational courses for young people, including traditional and vocational options to meet the needs of their communities.
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