The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) builds knowledge and skills for work and life. Students get hands-on experience in one or more industries, so they finish school with an employability edge.

VCE VM is a 2-year applied learning program that’s part of the VCE. Teachers will assess student progress through a range of activities. The only exam is the General Achievement Test (Part A only).

Students will study 4 core units:

• VCE VM Literacy
• VCE Foundation Maths (or any other VCE Maths)
• VCE VM Work-Related Skills
• VCE VM Personal Development Skills

PLUS

180 hours of Vocational education training (VET) at Certificate II level or above (this can also include a VCE subject).

• The VCE VM study areas use a different form of assessment than other VCE studies. Teachers complete the assessment in class and support students in achieving the requirements.
• VCE VM subjects don’t receive a study score, so they won’t count towards an ATAR.
• The VCE VM is a great choice if students prefer to learn in a real-world environment and don’t need an ATAR.

VCE VM SUBJECTS

• VCE VM Literacy
• VCE Foundation Maths (or any other VCE Maths)
• VCE VM Work-Related Skills
• VCE VM Personal Development Skills

Vocational Education and Training (VET) provides workplace skills, technical knowledge and qualifications for rewarding jobs and careers.

VET is the practical education option with courses designed by industry experts that combine work-ready skills with the latest knowledge.

VET qualifications provide a fast, cost-effective pathway to employment, giving you first-hand experience and confidence to navigate a rapidly changing environment.

Qualifications range across four levels of certificates (Certificate I, II, III and IV), as well as Diploma courses and Advanced Diploma courses. The range of professions with strong job prospects may surprise you. At school we offer Certificates II and III,

If you choose an apprenticeship or traineeship, you can complete your training while you work. You’ll do a real job for a real employer and earn a real wage while getting your qualification.

• VCE VET Sport and Recreation - Certificate III Units 1-4 220 hrs*^

• VCE VET Animal Care - Certificate II in Animal Care Units 1-4 180 Hrs

• VCE VET Automotive - Certificate II Units 1-4 180 hrs

• VCE VET Engineering Studies - Certificate II in Engineering Studies Units 1-4 220 hrs

• VCE VET Furnishing - Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways Units 1-4 180 hrs*^

• VCE VET Equine - Certificate III in Equine Studies Units 1-4 180 hrs*

• VCE VET Information and Communications Technology - Certificate III in Information Technology Units 1-4 220 hrs*^

• VCE VET Hair and Beauty - Certificate III in Make-up Units 1-4 210 hrs

• VCE VET Music (performance) - Certificate III in Music Units 1-4230 hrs*^

• VCE VET Health - Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance Units 1-4 180 hrs*

• Certificate III Health Services Assistance Units 1-4 180 hrs*

• VCE VET Electrotechnology - Certificate II Units 1-4 180 hrs

* This is a scored VCE VET subject and can contribute to the ATAR

^ This certificate is delivered at Cathedral College Wangaratta.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are employment-based learning pathways that allow students to gain a nationally recognised qualification. These programs combine part-time paid employment with training in vocational education and training (VET).

Students can receive credit for their SBAT towards the VCE and VCE Vocational Major. These typically take two years, and students can commence an SBAT in Year 10 or 11.

Units One and Two

The school-based nature of Unit One and Two studies provides scope for individual schools to set their own attendance requirements. The College has determined those students at Unit One and Two level must attend a minimum of ninety per cent of all scheduled classes in a unit in order to meet the requirements for satisfactory completion of that unit.

Units Three and Four

It is important for all students to note that the failure to meet the ninety per cent attendance requirements set under VCAA regulations may result in the student attracting a “J” result for that unit. In effect, this result equates to the non-completion of the unit in question. It is vital that all students note that attendance and punctuality at scheduled classes are regarded as essential components of satisfactory completion of a unit.

School Assessed Coursework (SACs)

Many of the School Assessed Coursework including Common Tests will be conducted during class time. It is imperative that students attend all these sessions. If a student cannot attend a School Assessed Coursework/Task due to severe illness or family tragedy, the VCE Coordinator needs to be contacted immediately. A note from a parent with appropriate documentation, for example, a medical certificate, is expected upon the student’s return to school. An alternative test or task will be arranged for the student at the earliest convenience of the subject teacher. Students who are absent without substantial reason forfeit their right to do a catch-up SAC. Catch-up SACs must be completed within a ten-day period of the original scheduled assessment day.