Glossary U - Z
Unit of competency
A component of a competency standard. A unit of competency is a statement of a key function or role in a particular job or occupation. See also element of competency, performance criteria, range of variables.
University
An institution of higher education, usually offering degree and higher level courses. Some universities also offer vocational education and training courses.
User choice
A provision of New Apprenticeships whereby an employer and an apprentice or trainee can choose the training provider for the government-funded off-the-job elements of the training program. The organisation chosen can be a TAFE college or any other registered training organisation (including a school) that has been registered to deliver the required training.
VET in Schools
Allows school students to combine vocational studies with their general education curriculum. Students participating in VET in Schools continue to work towards their secondary school certificate. The VET component of their studies gives them credit towards a nationally recognised VET qualification. In this way, participants can keep their options open to pursue further full-time or part-time vocational training or to move into tertiary studies after school.
Vocational education
Education designed to develop occupational skills. See also vocational education and training.
Vocational education and training (VET)
Post-compulsory education and training, excluding degree and higher level programs delivered by higher education institutions, which provides people with occupational or work-related knowledge and skills. VET also includes programs which provide the basis for subsequent vocational programs. Alternative terms used internationally include technical and vocational education and training (TVET), vocational and technical education and training (VTET), technical and vocational education (TVE), vocational and technical education (VTE), and further education and training (FET).
Vocational placement
See work placement.
WELL
See Workplace English Language and Literacy Program.
Work experience
A period (usually one or two weeks) of unpaid work undertaken by secondary school students as part of their careers education, to provide some insight into the world of work. Compare work placement.
Workplace assessment
The gathering and judging of evidence during normal work activities in order to determine whether a required standard has been achieved. Workplace assessment usually involves observation of work in progress, checking the product(s) of a work activity, and receiving oral responses to questions posed while work is in progress.
Workplace English Language and Literacy Program (WELL)
A program provided in the workplace to develop workers' English language and literacy skills.
Work placement (also called field placement, vocational placement, structured work placement)
A period of unpaid work with an employer undertaken by VET students in order to satisfy the requirements of a program or course, with supervision provided by the employer, the training provider or both.
This glossary contains terms (including abbreviations) likely to be found on the Southbank Institute web site. Many of these terms have been drawn from the ANTA Glossary.
» top of page
Last updated 1 February, 2007