Kiralee Wilde
A VCE VET course in Hair and Beauty was the beginning of Kiralee's journey towards owning and running her own business.
Nhill College alumni Kiralee Wilde says she always wanted to be a hairdresser. 'I had the opportunity to do VET at school and I was happy to see a hairdresser course,' Kiralee says. 'And I always wanted to own a business.'
Starting at school
Kiralee signed up for the VCE VET Hair and Beauty course in Year 11, completing her Certificate II in Salon Assistant.
'VET gave me the opportunity to attend school at the same time as giving me the opportunity to begin my dream career,' Kiralee says.
'I found the balance between school, VET and Structured Workplace Learning was great because it gave me a completely different view on school and what my future would look like.'
Kiralee says she learned how to braid, cut hair and blowdry, but the course also involved 'lots of bookwork', preparing students for the business and customer service side of working in a beauty salon.
'Through VET, I was able to challenge myself and gain professional skills for my trade,' Kiralee says.
Kiralee signed up for a school-based apprenticeship in Year 12 for a Certificate III in Hairdressing, which offers more advanced hair styling and business skills. Kiralee was offered a full-time apprenticeship, which led to a full-time job. She later completed a Diploma of Beauty Therapy at TAFE.
Today, she owns and runs her own business: Vanillah Hair and Beauty in Edenhope. 'I'm living the dream of being my own boss,' Kiralee says.
For students thinking about doing a VCE VET course, Kiralee says 'go for it!'
'VET is a great way to find out if a certain career path is really what you want,' Kiralee says. 'It allows you to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. And it is a fantastic way to get a head start on your career.'
Kiralee is just one of the career success stories featured in
Get VET – an informative VCAA resource for students and parents to explore the wide-range of opportunities that VET can offer students in the VCE and VCAL.
Start your study and career path with VET
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is an important part of Victorian senior secondary school qualifications - the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). VET opens up many future career opportunities in areas with increasing employment demands. Practical VET courses give students valuable skills and knowledge, and the opportunity to apply them in the workplace.
VET offers nationally recognised qualifications that create pathways to over 500 careers in a diverse range of industries including health, technology, robotics, engineering, food, science, construction and IT.
There are now more opportunities than ever for students to include VET in their senior secondary program of study. Whether you plan to enrol in university, TAFE, complete an apprenticeship or traineeship, or enter the workforce, VET can support your short-term and long-term goals.
Find out more about VET programs for secondary students at
Get VET.
Education Week: Careers
Education Week 2019 celebrates the strengths and achievements of Victoria's government schools.
Career Education in government schools ensuring students have the skills and capabilities to navigate multiple careers and meet the challenges of the changing world of work. Career Education helps students make improved career and pathway decisions to prepare them for life beyond school.
Find out more about
Education Week 2019.