Discover careers through practical learning
Swinburne University of Technology is working with the Department of Education to deliver the Victorian Government’s Vocational Taster Experience program (VTE). The program is designed to give Year 9 and 10 students in Victorian government schools an opportunity to try a range of vocational study and career options.
These workshops are free and include all workshop materials, safety equipment and the cost of transport between your school and Swinburne’s campuses.
Who is the program for?
The VTE program is designed for Victorian government secondary schools and supports students at two key stages of their secondary education. Two different workshops are available for Year 9 and Year 10 students, offering hands-on opportunities to explore vocational study and career options.
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Year 9
Vocational explorer
Explore different industries and career possibilities through a full-day practical workshop at one of Swinburne’s Hawthorn, Croydon or Wantirna campuses.
Discover how tools, materials and practical skills come together.
Carpentry
Learn to use hand tools to build your own mobile phone holder.
Plumbing
Practice installing water pipes inside walls, simulating how water supply, waste and vents are set up in real buildings.
Business
See how businesses bring ideas to life through fun, interactive challenges that develop creativity, teamwork and problem-solving while exploring branding, sustainability and innovation.
Creative
Unleash your creativity through animation, film, media and design activities, discovering how creative professionals use technology, storytelling and design to communicate ideas.
Digital
Explore the exciting world of gaming, artificial intelligence and cyber security through hands-on activities that introduce the technologies shaping our digital future.
Allied health
Step into the shoes of someone with mobility or dexterity challenges and learn how Allied Health Assistants help people get back to doing everyday activities through hands-on therapy.
Early childhood
Explore a day in the life of an early childhood educator through fun, hands-on activities that show how they support young children’s learning and development.
Community services
Take part in a simulation where you will see how workers support people in need by connecting them with the right services and resources.
Electrical
Build a circuit by wiring a light bulb and switch, then use problem-solving skills to identify and fix a broken connection. Explore clean energy and the power of solar power.
Engineering
Learn spot welding techniques by fabricating a small box from 0.9mm steel sheet and start developing practical skills in material preparation, spot welding setup and quality control.
Bricklaying
Learn step by step how to spread mortar, butter and lay bricks in a straight line.
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Year 10
VET taster
Explore vocational education through five full days of practical learning at a Swinburne campus, delivered by experienced TAFE teachers, building industry knowledge, practical skills and career awareness.
Create, collaborate and bring your ideas to life with digital tools and technology.
Business
Experience the fast-paced world of business by working in teams to solve real-world challenges. Develop skills in project planning, communication, marketing, problem-solving and sustainability while discovering how innovative ideas become successful businesses.
Creative
Bring your ideas to life through hands-on workshops in animation, digital design and film & television. Create characters, develop digital content, build your own brand for social media and gain experience using industry-standard creative software and equipment.
Digital
Explore the future of technology through gaming, visual effects, artificial intelligence and cyber security. Design game environments, create AI-powered digital content and discover the technologies and skills driving tomorrow's digital careers.
Allied health
Learn about real career pathways and experience what it is like to guide a client through a rehabilitation exercise using resistance bands. You will also get a glimpse into the language of healthcare with a quick medical terminology game!
Early childhood
Join us for a Story Time Workshop, where you will experience firsthand how educators use storytelling to spark curiosity and support children's learning as well as development. Make playdough, slime and craft rope dolls!
Community services
A focused case study approach which will allow you to analyse real life scenarios. Step into the role of a youth or community worker through a series of hands-on activities designed to build empathy, communication and problem-solving skills.
Carpentry
Learn how to build a wall frame step by step. This will involve hand-nailing timber pieces whilst understanding work plans, Workplace Health & Safety and a site tour.
Plumbing
Explore problem-solving techniques to diagnose issues by locating a water main to work out where the hidden leak is beneath the surface.
Bricklaying
Learn step by step how to spread mortar, butter and lay bricks to construct a brick pyramid wall.
Electrical
Explore the world of electricity by examining circuit boards, stripping cables and investigating how solar panels work. Discover the role of clean energy and its future in Australia.
Engineering trades
Learn metal working techniques in constructing a welded dice.
Why Swinburne?
Pathways to connect
Explore pathways from vocational education to higher education and future employment.
Practical experience
Get hands-on with practical activities, equipment and facilities across Swinburne's campuses.
Industry-connected learning
Learn from experienced teachers and explore skills connected to real careers and industries.
Where could your VTE experience take you?
Explore (Year 9 – Vocational Explorer)
Discover different industries and careers through hands-on workshops and explore what the world of work could look like.
Experience (Year 10 – VET Taster)
Build on your interests with practical learning, career planning and an immersive experience of vocational education.
Choose your pathway (Senior secondary options) including VDSS, VC VM, VCE and VPC.
Use your experiences and interests to help make informed decisions about your Year 11 and 12 subjects and pathways, including VET and VCE.
Continue learning (TAFE or higher education)
Continue developing your skills through vocational education or higher education, with pathways that can connect different types of study.
Build your future (Further study and employment)
Turn your skills and experience into your next steps, whether that's further study, training or entering the workforce.
Discover your interests, build practical skills and explore career possibilities.
Turn your skills and experience into further study and employment opportunities.
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“It was really helpful to get a good experience across a number of different areas before I make my choices for Year 11 and 12.”
VTE student participant
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Hawthorn campus
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Croydon campus
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Wantirna campus
Give your students a taste of what’s possible
Register your school’s interest in the VTE program and learn more about getting involved.
Frequently asked questions
- Lunch and a water bottle
- Pen or pencil
- (Optional) Money if you wish to use the campus canteen or vending machines
- Clothing Requirements (Trades students only)
If you are attending any of the Trades workshops:
- Please wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt if you are able. These need to be cotton with no plastic prints on the front / sleeves.
- If you have steel-toe boots, please wear them. If you don’t, please ensure you were long socks and bring a spare pair. We will provide PPE for students who do not have these items.
Keep exploring
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Vocational Education and Training at Swinburne
Practical and hands-on TAFE courses to help turn your passion into a career.
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Free TAFE courses in 2026
Free TAFE is a Victorian Government initiative that covers tuition fees for eligible students to study one of more than 80 qualifications in high priority areas.
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Find a course
Want to know more about the courses we offer? Search for a specific course or browse by study area.
