In keeping with Avila's holistic approach to education, the College offers a selection of courses with a more vocational focus. These are known as Vocational and Education Training (VET) courses.
VET courses offered by Avila are:
· Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations)
· Certificate II in Horticulture, and
· Certificate II in Small Business Administration (Office Skills)
We also offer a TAFE (Box Hill) Certificate I in Small Business
These courses have several advantages for students:
· They offer a range of practical skills
· They introduce students to the rigour of the workplace
· They provide qualifications that can articulate into higher certificates at TAFE institutions
· They can provide evidence of attained skills which students can use for applications for
full or part-time work.
· They are accredited towards the VCE certificate
Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations )
This is a very popular course, taken in conjunction with Food Technology at Year 11. Students complete the certificate in one year, freeing up Year 12 to focus on their VCE subjects. The course includes sessions in the College commercial kitchen with a professional chef. These sessions are challenging and very different from the usual classroom learning.
Another component of the course is a two-week work placement at Eden on the Park, where students are introduced to all aspects of the hospitality industry.
Certificate II in Hospitality contributes 2 units to the VCE.
Certificate II in Horticulture
This course attracts students who are interested in aspects of the horticulture industry and involves a significant amount of practical work. It also attracts students who have an interest in small business skills relating to landscaping, natural area restoration and nursery operations. Students take the subject in conjunction with the VCE course in Agriculture and Horticultural Studies. It is a two-year certificate and involves a work placement.
This certificate develops skills for students interested in a tertiary course in Horticulture or a related field.
Certificate II in Horticulture contributes 2 units to the VCE and can contribute to the ENTER score.
Certificate II Business Administration (Office Skills)
This course is offered to year 11 and 12 students. It focuses on employability skills, particularly office work. Computer skills, reception and telephone skills, file management, small booking tasks and the use of communication equipment are developed.
Certificate II Business Administration contributes 2 units to the VCE.
Certificate II Multimedia (to be renamed by VCAA in 2008)
This course is offered to year 11 and 12 students. It introduces students to the multimedia industry, where they will be exposed to the duties performed by web page designers, animators, visualisers and multimedia producers. It develops a range of basic skills and exposes them to the theoretical and social aspects of the industry.
VCAA is yet to announce how many units Certificate 11 Multimedia will contribute to the VCE.
