The schools sector not only aims to provide a broad and general scholastic education for all students, but also fosters important life skills through its social and community activities. Schools prepare students for immediate employment or further study and training, either through the vocational education and training programs, or entry to TAFE and universities. The aim of the vocational education and training sector is to make people employment-ready in a diverse range of industries at different stages of their lives and careers. The aim of the higher education sector is not only to prepare people for professional careers, but also to develop rigorous intellectual training.
Qualifications issued in each sector reflect the basic aims of each sector.
The SSCE may include recognised vocational education and training units leading to a relevant Certificate I-IV qualification. They satisfy industry and enterprise national competency standards relating to four levels of performance in the workplace. These qualifications are designed to make people employment-ready at designated levels in a large number of industries and enterprises. Certificate qualifications are portable across industries, as they equip people with general skills such as communication and teamwork skills, and knowledge such as workplace technology. These are delivered through TAFE institutes, private training providers, schools, universities and enterprises.