Vocational education and training (VET) in schools promises a seamless entry into apprenticeships, skilled work and further education options, with many best practice examples of this type of training delivered in schools identified around Australia. This synthesis identifies insights emerging from existing research on the delivery of VET to secondary students in Australia, insights that could assist in providing a meaningful consideration of and response to concerns such as those described. The focus here is on nationally recognised VET qualifications delivered to secondary school students, those that contribute to their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) rather than the more general career education and work experience activities that constitute vocational learning. The paper focuses on reasons for choosing and participating in VET programs delivered in schools; models of delivery; quality of delivery; and outcomes, both short and medium-term, from these programs. Current knowledge gaps are identified with areas for further research suggested.