Vocational Education and Training (VET) is one of Australia’s most practical and job‑focused pathways. It equips students with industry‑ready skills in fields such as construction, hospitality, business, trades, and more. Institutions like Ashford College in Victoria (Melbourne and Geelong) deliver nationally recognised VET qualifications designed to help learners join the workforce quickly.
But one of the biggest questions prospective students ask is:
Can I earn while doing VET courses?
The short answer is yes — in many circumstances you can earn income while studying VET, either through paid work, traineeships, apprenticeships or integrated work placements. However, how and how much you can earn depends on your visa status, course type, and individual goals.
1. What Are VET Courses?
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training — a practical study pathway focused on real‑world skills. Instead of theory‑only learning, VET emphasizes hands‑on training that matches industry needs.
Typical VET courses include:
- Certificate III & IV (e.g., Carpentry, Commercial Cookery)
- Diplomas in hospitality, management, or building
- Apprenticeships and traineeships (work‑based learning)
Institutes like Ashford College offer these programs in areas like carpentry, cabinet making, painting & decorating, hospitality management, and business management.
2. What Does “Earn While You Learn” Really Mean?
There are three main pathways where earning income while completing VET training is possible:
Paid Work (Part‑Time or Casual)
Most students — especially international students — can take up part‑time jobs while studying VET.
Under the standard Australian student visa rules:
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, and
- Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
Jobs common for VET students include:
- Hospitality (barista, waiter)
- Retail assistant
- Customer service
- Tutoring or support roles
This work helps cover living costs — though it rarely replaces full financial planning for tuition and living expenses.
Apprenticeships & Traineeships (Earn While You Train)
One of the biggest advantages of VET is apprenticeships and traineeships: programs where you are employed while learning.
How it works:
- You sign a training contract with an employer
- You receive a wage from day one
- You combine paid work with structured training
For example:
- A building apprentice might earn a wage while training on job sites and gradually earn more as skills improve.
- A trainee in hospitality could work in a kitchen while completing your commercial cookery units.
According to industry bodies, apprentices and trainees earn a wage while gaining an accredited qualification — making VET a viable way to both learn and earn.
Work‑Integrated Learning / Internships
Some VET courses include work placements or internships as part of the curriculum.
These placements give real‑world experience and are mandatory in many qualifications. While some placements are unpaid, others can be paid or funded, depending on the industry and employer.
Even unpaid placements add value by building your resume and increasing employability after graduation.
3. Can International Students Earn While Doing VET Courses?
Yes — but there are rules:
Work Hours
International students can generally work:
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Unlimited hours during breaks (like summer/winter breaks)
This work helps supplement living costs and can provide practical skills and networking opportunities.
However:
- Earnings depend on the job and hours worked.
- Many student jobs are casual and may not pay above minimum wage.
Work Experience from Courses
Some VET courses require workplace experience as part of certification — and this experience can sometimes be paid, depending on employer agreements.
These placements also serve as firsthand exposure to industry‑specific work culture — a valuable benefit for future employment.
4. Earnings: What Can You Expect?
Your earnings will depend on:
- Type of work (casual vs apprenticeship)
- Hours worked
- Industry and job role
- Your skill level
Here’s a simplified earnings comparison:
5. How VET Helps You Earn More Over Time
While the main question is about earning while studying, VET’s benefits extend beyond immediate income:
High Employability- Studies show that many VET graduates find employment quickly after completing their courses.
Job‑Ready Skills- VET focuses on practical competencies, so employers often hire VET graduates because they can do the job from day one — boosting hiring chances and wages.
Earning Potential Growth- Once you finish your course or apprenticeship, you can:
- Get certified and increase wages
- Advance into supervisory roles
- Start your own business (especially in trades or hospitality)
Some industries (like construction, hospitality management or business services) offer strong career progression and higher wages with experience.
6. Is It Worth It? Benefits Beyond Earnings
Yes — here’s why:
- Practical Skills- You learn skills directly demanded by employers, often with hands‑on training built into the curriculum.
- Shorter Duration- VET courses typically take 6 months to 2 years — much shorter than traditional degrees.
- Improved Job Prospects- Because VET combines training with real‑world skills, graduates are often more employable upon completion.
- Lower Cost- VET can be more affordable than university — meaning less debt for students.
Pathway to Higher Education- Many VET programs also serve as stepping stones to further study, including university degrees or postgraduate qualifications.
7. Tips for Earning While Studying
Here’s how to make the most of your time:
1. Plan Your Time: Balancing work and study can be a challenging task. Prioritize academic success while earning part‑time.
2. Look for Apprenticeship Opportunities: Many employers value apprentices, so always explore openings where you earn while you learn.
3. Use Career Services: Colleges like Ashford have student support services and industry connections to help you find work placements and job opportunities.
4. Network Early: Networking with instructors and industry professionals often leads to job recommendations.
5. Know Your Rights: Understand workplace rights, minimum wage laws and student work limitations based on visa status.
8. Real Stories: How Students Earn While Learning
Many students combine flexible casual jobs with their studies — from hospitality roles to retail, customer service, and support roles. These jobs:
- Help with living costs
- Build transferable skills
- Improve confidence in communication and teamwork
Plus, students who enter apprenticeships or traineeships often start earning a wage early in their training — making this an attractive option for those who want both income and industry experience.
Final Thoughts: You Can Earn While Doing VET Courses — With the Right Pathway
Whether you’re:
- an international student,
- considering apprenticeships, or
- hoping to work part‑time during your studies,
The answer is yes — it’s possible to earn while studying VET. The level of earnings depends on how you engage with work opportunities, your visa conditions, and the type of course you choose.
Ashford College in Melbourne and Geelong provides nationally recognized VET qualifications that build strong industry links and can help you find both experience and earnings while you learn.
Ultimately, VET is a flexible and practical choice that blends hands‑on learning with real‑world earning potential — helping students build strong careers from day one.
