VCE Vocational Major

What is VCE – Vocational Major?

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE designed to be completed over a minimum of two years. The VCE VM will give students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life.

It prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.

The purpose of the VCE VM is to provide students with the best opportunity to achieve their personal goals and aspirations in a rapidly changing world by:

  • equipping them with the skills, knowledge, values and capabilities to be active and informed citizens, lifelong learners and confident and creative individuals; and
  • empowering them to make informed decisions about the next stages of their lives through real life workplace experiences.

Completing the VCE Vocational Major

To be eligible to receive the VCE VM, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units, including:

  • 3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
  • 2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units
  • 2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
  • 2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
  • 2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours)

Students must complete a minimum of three other Unit 3–4 sequences as part of their program. Units 3 and 4 of VM studies may be undertaken together over the duration of the academic year to enable these to be integrated.

The VCE VM can be tailored to the needs and interests of the student, to keep them engaged while developing their skills and knowledge. Students can also include other VCE studies and VET, and can receive structured workplace learning recognition.

Most students will undertake between 16-20 units over the two years.

What is Structured Workplace Learning and how do I go about seeking out an appropriate placement?

Structured Workplace Learning is an opportunity for VCE – Vocational Major students. It allows them to gain practical experience in a workplace associated with their VET course.

It is the student’s responsibility to seek out an appropriate SWL placement. ​Students can develop their communication and networking skills, and grow in confidence by independently arranging their SWL. Beginning with contacts such as family and friends is a great place to start.  By doing this you are more likely to enjoy a more meaningful placement that will be more satisfying and rewarding. Students are strongly advised to check with their training provider to ensure that the placement they are considering satisfies the requirements of their VET course. ​Students should begin investigating potential workplace locations late in 2022 in preparation for the following year. Placement days will be Wednesday or Friday, alternate to your VET day and will run throughout the year. Students can see the Careers team for further support in arranging SWL.

There are numerous legal issues concerning SWL. Students must make sure the relevant legal forms are completed before commencing a placement. Students must also consider travel arrangements when organising their placement. These forms will be distributed at school and must be submitted to the Careers room.

Is VCE – Vocational Major for you?

If you are seriously considering this as an option, it is vital you read through the following points. You need to be able to confidently tick each point. If you have any questions or uncertainties, please make sure you speak to the Senior Sub School or Careers staff.

  • VCE – Vocational Major is not a course for students intending going on to university or needing an ATAR score.
  • It is a course suited for young people who wish to gain an apprenticeship or traineeship.
  • If intending going onto TAFE at the end of Year 12, students should carefully check that they are able to qualify for their TAFE course.
  • A VET/TAFE course must be studied as part of the VCE – Vocational Specialisation certificate.
  • VET/TAFE attendance may require students to be able to make their own way to the location the course is being taught at. This will be at the students own expense. 
  • Work placement will need to be linked to the VET/TAFE course you are enrolled in.
  • Attendance at school, TAFE and work placement is vital if you are to complete your VCE certificate.
  • Although students will be completing more practical subjects, there is still a writing/theory and assessment components to all classes including VET/TAFE. This includes the completion of the General Achievement Test (GAT).

As this is a VCE certificate, please ensure you also take the time to carefully read all expectations of the VCE as this certificate is bound by the same requirements.

If you are unsure about any of the following points, or how this could affect you please ensure you speak to the Senior Sub School or Careers Team.

As this is a VCE certificate, please ensure you also take the time to carefully read all expectations of the VCE as this certificate is bound by the same requirements.

If you are unsure about any of the following points, or how this could affect you please ensure you speak to the Senior Sub School or Careers Team.