Year 11 and 12

Construction is a 2 unit vocational education and training (VET) framework course.

Why study Construction?

Construction is a booming industry where you can gain skills in:

• building
• modifying existing buildings
• contracting and quoting
• designing and managing projects
• dealing with clients, workers and professionals.

What working in Construction involves

• Constructing buildings and houses by assembling and fitting structures, excavating and working outdoors.
• Modifying existing buildings, homes and structures through renovations, alterations and additions.
• Contracting by assessing materials, estimating, quoting, recruiting staff, surveying, analysing, negotiating, organising and managing contracts.
• Designing buildings, both internal and external, large and small including rooms and offices, roofs and grounds.
• Measuring materials, sites, grounds, rooms, buildings and drawing plans.
• Communicating with clients, workers, professional bodies, suppliers, consultants, local government and other authorities.
• Managing projects, sites, constructions, contracts, personnel and clients.

Course description

This course is based on units of competency which have been developed by the construction industry to describe the competencies, skills and knowledge required by workers in this industry.

This course incorporates core units plus a range of elective units from the general construction and civil construction sectors.

Course requirements relating to work placement

You will have to compete workplace training as part of your course. The time you spend in the workplace depends on what course you do. Generally, students studying the course over Year 11 and 12 can expect to complete 70 hours of work placement with extra requirements for extension courses undertaken.

You must also undertake a mandatory work cover approved general occupational health and safety (OHS) induction training program, as well as work activity OHS training and site-specific OHS training before being allowed onto a work site.

Assessment

Competency-based assessment

Construction is a competency-based course. This requires students to develop the competencies, skills and knowledge described by each unit of competency. Students must demonstrate to a qualified assessor that they can effectively carry out the various tasks to the standard required in the appropriate industry, to be assessed as competent.

External assessment - optional HSC exam

The external assessment is an optional Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination. The HSC examination for construction will involve a written examination made up of multiple choice items, short answers and extended response items.

Potential qualifications

• certificate one in general or civil construction or a statement of attainment towards certificate one
• satement of attainment towards certificate two in general or civil construction
• credit towards trade qualifications in carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating, wall and floor tiling and roofing
• credit towards trade qualifications in plant, road construction and maintenance, tunnel construction, bridge/marine construction, foundation work, railway construction, pipe laying or road making.

Design and Technology involves the study of design theory and practice, design processes, environmental and social issues, communication, research, technologies, and the manipulation of materials, tools and techniques. It involves hands-on practical activities which develop knowledge and skills in designing and producing.

Year 11 (preliminary)

In the preliminary course (Year 11), students are involved in the development, realisation and documentation of numerous design projects.

Year 12 (HSC)

In the Higher School Certificate (HSC) course, the Major Design Project and supporting folio requires students to select and apply appropriate design, production and evaluation skills to a product, system or environment that satisfies an identified need or opportunity.

Engineering Studies offers students the knowledge, understanding and skills in aspects of engineering that include communication, engineering mechanics/hydraulics, engineering materials, historical/societal influences, engineering electricity/electronics, and the scope of the profession. Students study engineering by investigating a range of applications and fields of engineering.

Year 11 (preliminary)

Students undertake the study of 4 compulsory modules:

Three application modules based on engineering concepts and impacts through the study of engineering products. Engineering concepts and impacts are studied in each of the following categories:

• Engineering Fundamentals
• Engineered Products
• Braking Systems

ONE focus module relating to the field of Biomedical Engineering.

Year 12 (HSC)

Students undertake the study of 4 compulsory modules:

• Two application modules relating to the fields of:
  • Civil Structures
  • Personal and Public Transport
• Two focus modules relating to the fields of:
  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Hospitality is a multi-skilling general 2 unit vocational education and training (VET) course. 

Qualifications

Students who are assessed as competent in all of the units of competency will be eligible for the certificate 2 in Hospitality. Students who gain achievement in some of the units will be eligible for a statement of attainment showing partial completion of certificate 2 in Hospitality.

There are eight employment skills:

1. communication
2. teamwork
3. problem solving
4. initiative and enterprise
5. planning and organising
6. self-management
7. learning and technology.

Pathways to industry

Skills gained in this industry transfer to other occupations. Working in the hospitality industry involves:

• supporting and working with colleagues to meet goals and provide a high level of customer service
• prepare and serve drinks including espresso coffee
• provide food service for a range of food and beverage items.

Examples of occupations in the hospitality industry:

• Barista
• Restaurant Manager/Owner
• Cook
• Waiter
• Hotel Manager
• Kitchen Hand

Mandatory course requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 70 hours work placement. Students who do not meet these requirements will be non-completion (N) determined as required by the Board of Studies.

Competency-based assessment

Students in Hospitality work to develop the competencies, skills and knowledge described by each unit of competency. To be assessed as competent a student must demonstrate to a qualified assessor that they can effectively carry out competency. When a student achieves a unit of competency it is signed off by the assessor.

External assessment (optional HSC exam)

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination in Hospitality will involve a written examination consisting of multiple-choice items, short answers and extended response items. The questions will be based on units of competency and HSC requirements and advice detailed in the syllabus. The examination is independent of the competency based assessment undertaken during th course and has no impact on the eligibility of the student to receive a vocational qualification.

Industrial Technology Timber provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the timber industry and its related technologies. Through a process of observing and analysing industry practice and through personal practical experiences, students develop a broad range of skills and knowledge related to the focus area chosen for the course.

Year 11 (preliminary)

The course highlights the importance of design, management and production through the production of numerous practical timber projects, folios and experiences.

Year 12 (HSC)

In the HSC course, students design, develop and construct a Major Project with a management folio. They will also undertake a study of the overall industry related to the specific focus area industry.