VCE VM

The following VCE VM subjects are offered at CSC.

VCE Vocational Major (VM) & Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)

The VCE VM stands for the Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major. The VCE Vocational Major is a two-year vocational and applied learning program within the VCE. The 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.

Teachers, students, parents, VET Departments, workplaces and the school work in partnership the most appropriate course based on student need, aspiration and capability.

As a VCE Vocational Major student your commitment and application to your specific program is necessary for your success. You are expected to participate in all activities including incursions, excursions, group work and day to day classes. By participating in all activities ensures you successfully complete the VCE Vocational Major.

Students, parents and schools choose, in partnership, the most appropriate course based on student need, aspiration and capability.

The VCE VM will help you prepare for:

• an apprenticeship or traineeship

• further education and training

• university, through alternative entry programs

• going straight into the workforce.

To complete the VCE VM, you need to successfully complete at least 16 units. This needs to include:

• 3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3 and 4 sequence)

• 2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units

• 2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units

• 2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units

• 3 other Unit 3 and 4 sequences of your choice

• VET at a Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours).

You could also spend time learning in a workplace as part of your VET. This is known as Structured Workplace Learning Recognition.

You can add other VCE studies to your VCE VM program.

VPC stands for 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 level. The VPC is at Australian Qualifications Framework Level 1 and not recognised as a senior secondary certificate.

The VPC will help you prepare for:

• VCE and VCE VM

• entry-level VET, which could be at TAFE

• going straight into the workforce

• an apprenticeship or traineeship.

To complete the VPC you will need to complete 12 or more units, including at least:

• 2 VPC Literacy units (or units from the VCE English group including VCE VM Literacy)

• 2 VPC Numeracy units (or units from the VCE Mathematics group including VCE VM Numeracy)

• 2 VPC Work-Related Skills units

• 2 VPC Personal Development Skills units.

The remaining four units can come from other VPC units or from a VET Certificate I or above subject.

You could also spend time learning in a workplace. You can combine the VPC with VCE or VCE VM units, or VET at Certificate I level or above.

The Pillars of Applied Learning in VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) are five key principles that guide teaching and learning: 

• motivation to engage in learning,

• vocational and Applied Learning Practices,

• student agency,

• student-centred flexible approach

• assessment practices which promote success. 

These pillars ensure that the VCE VM program is engaging, relevant, and provides students with the skills and knowledge they need for future success. 

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 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.

Vocational and Applied Learning pathways not only equip young people for entry into the world of work also, but provide them 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. Students learn 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 reengage students who might otherwise consider leaving school before they reach Year 11 and 12.

VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. The VET component is compulsory within a VCE VM program because you are to focus in own industry skills within an area of your interest. The VET component of the course also results in more qualifications that are highly considered by employers and further study tertiary institutions within the area of study.

The VCE VM program offers a VET course Certificate II in Creative Industries and a Hospitality Compliance Skill Set which includes micro credentials of First Aid, White Card, Work Health and Safety practices, Financial Literacy, RSA, and Food Safety and on completion is the 180 hours required to complete VCE VM.

As a VCE Vocational Major student your commitment and application to your specific program is necessary for your success. You are expected to participate in all activities including incursions, excursions, group work and day to day classes. By participating in all activities ensures you successfully complete the VCE Vocational Major.