Information for Schools and Parents

VETDSS stands for Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students and is also referred to as VETDSSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary School Students). This term has replaced the former acronym previously used; VETIS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools).

Whilst the name has evolved, this term generally refers to a program enabling high school students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while at school. Students enrolled in such programs learn hands-on skills and knowledge required for specific industries, preparing them to enter the workforce or move onto a higher level course either during or after school.

VETDSS courses also contribute toward students achieving their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE). This is known in each state and territory by a different name:

Yes — students can study our High School VETDSS Animal Care course online from anywhere in Australia.

• Students outside WA, including those completing school through alternative arrangements, can enrol in the online course.
• All students complete the same nationally recognised qualification, with online theory supported by practical training requirements that must be completed in an approved animal care environment.

For full details on eligibility, delivery and practical requirements, please refer to the course information or speak with our student support team.

As a high school student, after successfully completing the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS) course, you may be wondering where to next for your educational journey in the field of animal care.

High School Grade and Age:
Your next steps in education may be influenced by your current grade in high school and your age. Different levels of courses are typically suited for different age groups and academic stages.

Certificate III and IV Level Courses:
AVT’s Certificate III and IV level courses in animal care and related fields are generally designed for students who have completed high school (year 12). These courses provide a deeper understanding of animal care practices and often involve more advanced topics and practical experiences.

Focus on Academic Excellence:
While in high school, it’s important to do your best academically. Studying hard, engaging actively in your coursework, and striving for good grades will not only enhance your knowledge but also open doors to further educational opportunities.

Completion of Year 12:
Completing year 12 is a significant milestone and a prerequisite for many higher-level educational programs. It demonstrates your commitment to education and provides a foundation for more advanced studies.

Gaining Customer Service Experience:
As you work toward completing your high school education, gaining employment in roles that involve customer service can be valuable. This experience not only helps you develop important interpersonal skills but also provides insights into the practical aspects of working in the animal care industry.

Career Aspirations:
Your future educational path should align with your career goals. Once you’ve completed high school and gained some work experience, your choice of further study will depend on the specific animal care career you wish to pursue. To make an informed decision about your next steps, read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers. This will help you understand the different career paths available within the animal care industry.

Build Confidence in Animal Handling:
Building a strong sense of confidence when it comes to handling animals is a key aspect for a successful future in animal care. Spend time looking after pets for family, friends or neighbours. This practical experience is incredibly valuable because it exposes you to a variety of animal behaviours, needs and personalities. Working with different species gives you the ability to adapt your approach when taking care of animals, no matter their type. You can also consider volunteering for animal-related organisations. Volunteer work plays a vital role in the animal care industry, especially in the areas of animal welfare, animal rescue and shelters, conservation and rehabilitation across a range of species. This hands-on involvement not only adds to what you know but also introduces you to new and interesting challenges. Regular interactions with animals will help you quickly understand their behaviour and unique personalities. This knowledge will boost your confidence in handling animals effectively.

With these skills and considerations, you will be in a great position to apply for one of AVT’s Certificate III or IV level courses.

Your day at Landsdale Farm combines hands-on practical activities with classroom learning, giving you a well-rounded experience in animal care and farm operations.

A typical day might look like this:

• 8:00 – 10:00 am – Hands-on farm duties and animal care activities
• 10:00 – 10:30 am – Break
• 10.30 – 12:00 pm – Classroom learning and theory sessions
• 12:00 – 12:30 pm – Lunch
• 12:30 – 2:30 pm – Classroom learning and assessment activities
• 2:30 – 3:00 pm – Afternoon farm duties and end-of-day clean-up

Please note: Daily schedules may vary depending on your units of study, assessment requirements, and environmental factors, such as weather conditions.

You’ll have the opportunity to care for a range of farm animals, assist with husbandry routines, and participate in interactive learning that brings your classroom theory to life.

To successfully complete our on-campus / on-site Animal Care courses, attendance is compulsory for all practical training days and classroom days.

If you’re unwell, you’ll be asked to contact your Trainer in advance to arrange a time to catch up. Due to the intensive nature of the course, if you’re absent more than two (2) days, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to successfully complete your qualification within the given timeframe.

A USI is your individual education number for life. It also gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia.

To complete nationally recognised training, you need a USI. Without one, you can’t get your qualification or statement of attainment.

How do I get a USI?
Getting a USI is quick, easy and free. Follow the steps on the USI website.

AVT offers high quality study material written, reviewed and delivered by Veterinarians, Animal Scientists and Veterinary Nurses with formal training qualifications. Our in-house training team have spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours creating course resources for our units of competency across all courses.

The difference between registered training providers’ course content across all RTOs including TAFE is often the units contained in the course and the quality of the material. There are many units that can be included in a course and training providers nominate a selection of units they will offer to students.

Our courses are broad-based and give an excellent introduction to working with animals across all species. They provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about many different animals and most importantly allow you to apply what you learn from our online course material or in the classroom to the workplace.

To find out more about the units offered within each course visit the Course Content section on our qualifications pages.

• ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
• ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online)
• ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA)
• ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
• ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

We do not hold a formal Open Day, however we often attend careers expos and events organised by schools. Throughout the year we conduct information sessions which are offered by invitation. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please contact us.

To get the most out of your studies, you’ll need a reliable device that you feel confident using. Throughout your course, you’ll be accessing online learning platforms, submitting assessments, downloading resources and working with standard software, so having the right setup will make everything smoother.

We strongly recommend using a laptop, rather than a tablet, as this will give you the best experience when completing assessments and accessing course materials.

While both Windows and Mac devices can be used, we suggest Microsoft Windows as the preferred operating system, as it offers the smoothest compatibility with the software and platforms used throughout your course.

Recommended device specifications

• Laptop (preferred over tablet)
• Screen size of at least 10 inches
• Battery life of at least 4 hours, and don’t forget your charger if you’re an on-campus student
• Stable internet connection for online at home study
• Up to date antivirus protection, where applicable

Required software

• Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, or Word 2010 or later
• Google Chrome web browser

Additional capabilities

• Built in microphone, or headphones with microphone
• Wi Fi support

What is the LLND?

The LLND quiz assesses your Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills to understand your abilities and ensure you have the correct support for your studies.

All AVT qualifications have been evaluated against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to determine the level of core skills required for successful participation in each course. Rather than simply evaluating general study readiness, the LLND ensures that you have the specific skills needed to meet the demands of your chosen course.   

Why do we ask all students to complete the LLND?

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AVT is required by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to assess and provide evidence of a student’s language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) skills prior to confirming their enrolment. For this reason, we have incorporated the LLND quiz as a compulsory step in our enrolment process.

Can I be exempt from the LLND if I have completed other qualifications?

Unfortunately, due to regulatory requirements, we must assess your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills using the ACSF (Australian Core Skills Framework). This means all students are required to complete the current AVT LLND quiz, regardless of prior qualifications.

How is the quiz conducted?

All applicants will be emailed a request to complete a quiz, which is conducted online and completed from home. We recommend carefully reading and answering each question rather than rushing through the quiz. Please note, student completing our VETDSS on-site course are required to complete a supervised LLND at school.

How soon after enrolling will I receive my LLND quiz?

You’ll receive the link to complete your LLND quiz within 1–2 working days after we receive your application. Keep an eye on your email for the link. Once it arrives, you can complete it online at a time that suits you. Please note, students completing our VETDSS on-site course will have their LLND organised with their school.

What is an example LLND question?

This is an example Certificate II level LLND question:

Read the following text message and answer the questions:

“Hi Jenny, I’m at Tony’s Farm now but I’ll see you at the front gates of Landsdale Farm at 3pm for the hay delivery. From Sharon”

• Who is the message from?
• Where are they going to meet?
• What time are you going to meet?

How is the quiz evaluated?

An independent organisation evaluates this quiz to determine if your current core skills meet the required level for the course. If you are a successful applicant and minor skill gaps are identified, you will be provided with the necessary support to develop the required skill level throughout the course. 

You may not be suitable for a course if a significant core skill gap is identified. In such instances, you may be referred to an alternative study pathway or external support services to develop these core skills. 

How long does it take to process my LLND quiz results?

Once you’ve completed your LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills) quiz, our team will review your results. You won’t receive individual results, but we will only contact you if there’s a significant gap or if we believe you may benefit from additional support.

• Online courses: As long as you’ve met the entry requirements and completed the LLND quiz, you’ll be able to start your course within 2–3 working days. This timeframe allows us to finalise your enrolment and set up your course access.
• On-campus/blended courses: The process may take a little longer. We assess applications as part of a group intake to ensure everyone receives careful and fair consideration, and you may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information to support your application.

The application process for our Animal Care on-campus / on-site courses are as follows:

• Step 1 – Apply using the online form found on the course page. If an application period is not open, you can register your details and we’ll contact you when applications open.
• Step 2 – You will receive a link to complete the LLND quiz, which assesses your Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills to help us understand your current skills and ensure you receive the right support throughout your studies.
• Step 3 – Your application will be reviewed by one of our AVT Student Liaison Officers. If you are a VETDSS high school student we’ll speak with your parent/guardian and VET Coordinator.
• Step 4 – Successful applicants will be emailed an offer including payment plan details.
• Step 5 – You will be required to activate your payment plan prior to course commencement

For an overview of all important dates and deadlines including details of the next intake for all AVT courses, visit our timetables and key dates page.