Vocational Education

The vocational courses offered at Marist are directly based on national industry/enterprise competency standards. All vocational programs include ‘hands-on’ experience, through placement out in industry or through a simulated work environment experience. The course of study determines whether completion of on-the-job vocational placements is required in order to gain the Vocational Certificate (the number of placements is prescribed in the Training Package).

Students who are successful in achieving all the competencies and completing the required placements, receive the national qualification. The qualification is issued by the BSSS at the same time as the Year 12 Certificate.

Vocational Education brings rewards to participating students. Most students see the benefits of doing a vocational course (VET) through completing a nationally-recognised certificate and starting on the pathway to further training. Others take their vocational skills and knowledge and test themselves by gaining casual employment. VET students are often able to gain recognition and monetary rewards for their application through the various award schemes, such as: Australian Vocational Student Award, Defence Force Technical Scholarships, ACT Training Excellence Awards and Worldskills - to name a few. In May Andrew Van Dartel will be representing the ACT in the Construction section of Worldskills.

Vocational Education Awards

Vocational courses offered by Marist as the Registered Training organisation (RTO):

Retail A/V
Construction Pathways A/V
Furniture Construction A/V
Hospitality A/V
Library and Information Services A/V
Information Technology T/A/V

Some students apply to do a vocational course and take up an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASBA). These students achieve their off-the-job competencies through an RTO, such as CIT, and their on-the-job competencies through an employer. They are expected to do 8 hours minimum in the workplace each week when doing a Certificate II level course.

Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBA) are available with Marist College as the Registered Training Organisation:

Retail A/V
Construction Pathways A/V
Information Technology T/A/V
Library and Information Services A/V
Hospitality A/V (Hospitality - Operations)

Marist students may also access ASBAs where they undertake training through another Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Construction Pathways
Hospitality (Hospitality - Kitchen Operations
Retail
Business
Information Technology
Hairdressing
Automotive
Animal Studies
Metal Fabrication
Horticulture
Furnishing Construction
Sport and Recreation

Marist students also access other courses outside of College hours, such as:

Certificate II in 3-D Animation and Certificate II in Games Programming as well as Certificate III
Statement of Attainment – Bar Course
Fitness
CISCO - IT

Details on course patterns and content are to be found in student handbooks, which are updated annually and can be obtained from the office of the Dean of Studies.

Student academic progress is reported formally twice each semester, once in writing at the end of the semester and once at about mid-semester when an oral report is given on the student's progress in each of his courses. Achievement and diligent effort are recognised at award ceremonies held twice each year.

The formal academic side of the curriculum is complemented by a wide range of co-curricular activities. These include chess, debating, Public speaking, Toastmasters, Science Club, Asia Club, musical and drama performances, dance festivals and Mock Trial. Increasingly, there are also opportunities for foreign language students to be immersed in those languages through overseas visits.

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