VCE-VM and VPC

VCE VM (Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major)

The VCE Vocational Major is an applied learning program which is completed in Years 11 and 12. This program aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, confidence and agency needed to prepare for the world of work and further education and training.

The VCE Vocational Major will support students to develop both academic and practical skills. It employs a more diverse range of assessment strategies rather than exams, alleviating some of the pressure that students face when considering which pathway to take.

The VCE Vocational Major offers a pathway into:

• apprenticeships
• traineeships
• further education and training
• university (through alternative entry programs)
• employment

VPC  (Victorian Pathways Certificate)

The VPC is an inclusive Year 11 and 12 certificate that will meet the needs of the minority of students not able or ready to complete a certificate at the VCE VM level. The VPC is at Australian Qualifications Framework Level 1 and is not recognised as a senior secondary certificate. Students, parents/carers and schools choose in partnership the most appropriate course based on individual student needs, aspirations and capability.

THE 5 PILLARS OF LEARNING

The Pillars of Applied Learning underpin the delivery of all VCE VM and VPC studies.

APPLIED LEARNING AND THE VCE VM & VPC

The VCE VM and VPC have at their core applied learning.  Applied learning incorporates the teaching of skills and knowledge in the context of ‘real life’ experiences, where students discover how to apply what they have learnt by doing, experiencing, reflecting and relating acquired skills to the real-world.

Applied learning within the context of the VCE VM and VPC is beneficial for all students, as it:

• Facilitates and prepares students for successful post-school pathways including transitioning to the workforce, going on to further education and training, as well as succeeding in personal and civil life.
• Encourages personalised student-led learning, aligned to student interests and aspirations.
• Provides opportunities for students to gain industry exposure and experience through work-integrated learning opportunities.
• Enables students to explore potential careers and develop technical and employability skills for the future.
• Provides students with functional competencies and skills (including soft skills like effective communication, interpersonal skills and self-management) that are needed to participate in the economy and society.
• Teaches important work-readiness and personal development skills linked to community involvement and civil responsibilities.
• Vocational and Applied Learning pathways can offer a great way to re-engage students who might otherwise consider leaving school before they reach Years 11 and 12.

VCE VOCATIONAL MAJOR (VM) AND VICTORIAN PATHWAYS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM AT GCC 

For a more in depth look at the course requirements and units of each program, please refer to the following documents:

VCE-VM at GCC

VPC at GCC

STRUCTURED WORKPLACE LEARNING RECOGNITION (SWL) 

Structured Workplace Learning 

There are specific entry requirements for this study. Students are required to be enrolled in a VE1 VCE VET program (with a minimum of 180 nominal hours) or VE2 SBAT and the Work Health and Safety (WHS) unit of competency for each unit. Students must undertake Unit 1 before commencing Unit 2. 

Students undertaking this study must maintain a Workplace Learning Record related to the SWL placement for recording, authentication and assessment purposes. Students must undertake a work placement in a different workplace setting or context for each unit and maintain a separate Workplace Learning Record per placement. 

Grace Christian College does not currently run SWLs but is looking to expand in the future.  

SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS 

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) is an apprenticeship or traineeship undertaken by a student enrolled in VCE VM. Generally, a school-based apprenticeship provides training in a skilled trade, while a traineeship provides training in a vocational area. Regular school attendance is combined with at least one timetabled day spent on the job or in training during the normal school week. 

An SBAT combines part-time, practical experience in the workplace with recognised, structured training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). 

Please note, SBATs must be endorsed by your school and meet the guidelines published by the Department of Education and Training. However, the College is not responsible for finding employers for students.  

SBATs are a 2-year commitment that should be organised by the student’s family prior to Year 11. Potential employers can be identified by families, or with assistance from the GCC careers advisor, Mrs Kelly Dickins.  

To view the SBAT guide, visit the Department of Education and Training. 

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) 

The VET component is compulsory within a VCE VM program and is offered at GCC through a range of providers.  

The VET component of the course results in qualifications that are highly considered by employers and further study tertiary institutions within the area of study.  

VCE VM students at the College will apply for a VET course as part of their program of study. Successful completion of VET courses at Certificate II level or higher will be credited as units towards the VCE VM. 

As VET is offered offsite students are required to sign out of the College, at reception and make their way to the VET educational institution via a GCC vehicle unless other arrangements have been made. Any changes to the VET timetable needs to be communicated with the College so transport arrangements can be modified. 

VET providers will assess students against the Units Of Competency (UOC) for each course. They will receive a statement of results from either the VET provider directly or forwarded with GCC semester reports. 

Students are expected to attend all VET classes (where possible), complete all coursework and assessment. They should uphold themselves while off campus and attend VET classes with manners, show respect and present themselves in appropriate uniform relevant to the VET course. 

When VET is scheduled on a school event or curriculum day, students are still expected to attend VET as timetabled.  

If students have a VET event that clashes with their GCC Timetable:  

• Contact the relevant subject teacher/s to explain their upcoming absence. 

Students who are absent from VET will need to: 

• Contact the VET trainer with reasons why in an email, find out about work missed and catch up as soon as possible. 

VET COURSES

For more information about the different VET courses see the link below:
https://www.vic.gov.au/vet-at-school#your-vet-options

Courses offered each year are subject to change. Families who are interested in the VCE VM or VPC at Grace Christian College should contact the school directly on info@gcc.vic.edu.au or (02) 6056 2288 for more information including up-to-date subjects and courses.