Scope of Study

VCE Vocational Major Work Related Skills (WRS) examines a range of skills, knowledge and capabilities relevant to achieving individual career and educational goals. Students will develop a broad understanding of workplace environments and the future of work and education, in order to engage in theoretical and practical planning and decision-making for a successful transition to their desired pathway.

The study considers four key areas: the future of work; workplace skills and capabilities; industrial relations and the workplace environment and practice; and the development of a personal portfolio.

Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this study in the classroom environment and through Structured Workplace Learning (SWL).

Applied Learning

VM Work Related Skills is based on an applied learning approach to teaching, ensuring students feel empowered to make informed choices about the next stages of their lives through experiential learning and authentic learning experiences.

Applied learning incorporates the teaching of skills and knowledge in the context of ‘real life’ experiences. Students will apply what they have learnt by doing, experiencing and relating acquired skills to the real world. Applied learning teaching and practice ensures that what is learnt in the classroom is connected to scenarios and experiences outside the classroom and makes that connection as immediate and transparent as possible.

The applied learning approach of this study is intended to meet the needs of students with a wide range of abilities and aspirations.

Aims

This study enables students to:

• understand and apply concepts and terminology related to the workplace

• understand the complex and rapidly changing world of work and workplace environments and the impact on the individual

• understand the relationship between skills, knowledge, capabilities and the achievement of pathway goals

• develop effective communication skills to enable self-reflection and self-promotion

• apply skills and knowledge in a practical setting.

This unit recognises the importance of sourcing reliable information relating to future education and employment prospects to engage in effective pathway planning and decision-making. Students will investigate information relating to future employment, including entry-level pathways, emerging industries, and growth industries and trends, and evaluate the impact of pursuing employment in different industries.

Students will reflect on this research in the context of their individual skills, capabilities and education and/or employment goals. They will develop and apply strategies to communicate their findings.

Area of Study 1: Future careers

In this area of study students will evaluate information relating to employment. They will consider the reliability and credibility of information sources and the scope of labour market information available, including skills shortages and industry growth areas, emerging industries and current and future trends.

Students will apply strategies to improve planning and decision-making related to gaining employment. They will develop research skills and collate evidence and artefacts relating to their future employment prospects.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and discuss likely employment growth areas using credible data and apply findings to develop strategies to improve future career prospects.

Assessment Tasks

One key task for the assessment of Outcome 1 will be selected from the following:

• a record of data analysis

• a research task

Additional assessment with also include a range of the following activities (or equivalent tasks) where students will apply and demonstrate learning:

• job outlook, web scavenger hunt

• participation/discussion/questions during incursions by industry

• participation/discussion/questions during industry visits

• participation in career speed-interviews

• a reflection and collection of resources during career expos visits

• refection and participation in industry immersion activities

• a case study

• a video, podcast or oral presentation

• a response to structured questions

• creation of a graph/chart.

Area of Study 2: Presentation of career and education goals

In this area of study students will consolidate their knowledge and understanding of future careers and their personal aspirations, skills and capabilities. Students will develop strategies for conducting research and presenting their research findings, seek feedback and refine their goals through self-reflection.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to forecast potential employment possibilities, and evaluate several education pathways that would support the acquisition of skills and knowledge required for a selected industry growth area.

Assessment Tasks

One key task for the assessment of Outcome 2 will be selected from the following:

• a career and education report

• a career and education presentation

• a career and education research task

• a career action plan

Additional assessment with also include a range of the following activities (or equivalent tasks) where students will apply and demonstrate learning:

• creation of SMART goals

• record of meeting with careers advisor

• completion of career discovery quizzes

• record of interview with an employer or employee

• creation of a personal profile

• a record and reflection on visit/s to a community-based program or organisation

• a collection of annotated resources.

• a record and reflection of presentations by guest speaker/s

• a record of discussion or consultation

• annotated photographs

As the nature of work changes over time, so do the skills and capabilities needed for success. Fundamental to achieving personal goals relating to future education and employment is the ability to recognise and develop individual skills and capabilities that are valued in a chosen pathway.

In this unit, students will consider the distinction between essential employability skills, specialist and technical work skills and personal capabilities, and understand the importance of training and development to support the attainment and transferability of skills. Students will collect evidence and artefacts relating to their personal skills and capabilities and promote them through resumes, cover letters and interview preparation.

Area of Study 1: Skills and capabilities for employment and further education

In this area of study students will consider the changing nature of work and the impact this has on future career pathways. They will distinguish between transferable skills that are valued across industries and specialist and technical work skills required for specific industries. They will be able to recognise how personal capabilities contribute to future success, and demonstrate their own skills and capabilities through artefacts and evidence.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and evaluate individual aptitudes and interests as they relate to broad industry groups, and identify evidence of personal core skills, attributes and

capabilities required by an industry of choice.

Assessment Tasks

One key task for the assessment of Outcome 1 will be selected from the following:

• a skills audit

• participation in mock interview

• a further education and/or training plan

Additional assessment with also include a range of the following activities (or equivalent tasks) where students will apply and demonstrate learning:

• a collection of curated artefacts

• completion of a careers quiz

• completion of a personality type indicator survey

• a reflective journal of participation in practical tasks

• a record and reflection of presentations by guest speaker/s

• annotated photographs

• a video

• a role play.

Area of Study 2: Transferable skills and capabilities

In this area of study students will recognise the relationship between transferable and employability skills and capabilities. They will investigate the role of ongoing education, training and development for essential and specialist skills, and how these skills can be applied across different jobs and industries. Students will apply strategies to promote their unique skills and capabilities through writing job applications and participating in mock interviews.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the recruitment and interview process, and of the essential and technical skills required by broader industry groups.

Assessment Tasks

One key task for the assessment of Outcome 2 will be selected from the following:

• a cover letter

• a resume

• a mock interview

Additional assessment with also include a range of the following activities (or equivalent tasks) where students will apply and demonstrate learning:

• a plan of action/response to feedback

• a collection of annotated position description or advertisements

• participation in mock job interview

• a video, podcast or oral presentation

• a role-play or performance

• a record of survey responses

• a digital presentation

• a visual presentation, such as a graphic organiser, concept/mind map or annotated poster

This unit focuses on the core elements of a healthy, collaborative, inclusive and harmonious workplace and is separated into three main areas:

• wellbeing, culture and the employee-employer relationship

• workplace relations, and

• communication and collaboration.

Students will learn how to maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and employers, understanding the characteristics of a positive workplace culture and its relationship to business success.

They will investigate key areas relating to workplace relations including methods for determining pay and conditions, workplace bullying, workplace discrimination, workplace harassment and dispute resolution.

Students will discover how teamwork and communication skills contribute to healthy, collegiate and productive workplaces.

Area of Study 1: Workplace wellbeing and personal accountability

In this area of study students will be introduced to the features and characteristics of a healthy, collaborative and harmonious workplace. They will examine the concept of culture and consider the characteristics of work–life balance. Students will analyse the interconnection between employee and employer expectations and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They will apply their understanding of workplace wellbeing to simulated workplace scenarios and real-life case studies.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and evaluate the characteristics of a healthy, collaborative, cooperative and harmonious workplace and identify and explain strategies to contribute to a healthy workplace environment.

Assessment Tasks

One key task for the assessment of Outcome 1 will be selected from the following:

• a case study

• a research task

• a presentation

• a report

Additional assessment with also include a range of the following activities (or equivalent tasks) where students will apply and demonstrate learning:

• participation in discussion and questions during excursions to:

- Trades Hall Council

- The Human Rights Commission

- Union or advocacy body

• a record and reflection of presentations by guest speaker/s

• a record of discussion or debate

• a response to structured questions

• a digital presentation

• a role-play or performance

• a visual presentation, such as a graphic organiser, concept/mind map or annotated poster

Area of Study 2: Workplace responsibilities and rights

In this area of study students will explore workplace relations, including the National Employment Standards and methods of determining pay and conditions. They will consider the characteristics and legal consequences of workplace bullying, workplace discrimination and workplace harassment, and gain an overview of the common legal issues experienced in the workplace. Students will examine processes to address and resolve workplace disputes.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to outline the National Employment Standards and methods for determining pay and conditions, explain the characteristics of workplace bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment, and outline the processes and legal consequences for breaches and analyse the personal ramifications that may follow.

Assessment Tasks

One key task for the assessment of Outcome 2 will be selected from the following:

• a case study

• a role play or performance

• a presentation

Additional assessment with also include a range of the following activities (or equivalent tasks) where students will apply and demonstrate learning:

• participation in discussion and questions during excursions to:

- Fair Work Australia

- The Fair Work Commission

- Community Legal Centre

• a mock hearing

• a record and reflection of presentations by guest speaker/s

• a record of discussion or debate

• a response to structured questions

• a research task

• a digital presentation

• a graphic organiser, concept/mind map or annotated poster

Area of Study 3: Communication and collaboration

In this area of study students will apply effective and efficient workplace communication strategies. They will consider their role and the role of teams in the workplace. Students will also investigate techniques for developing and fostering professional, formal and informal networks and the role of digital and electronic collaboration and communication.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply a variety of appropriate questioning and listening techniques within a workplace or simulated workplace, and understand how to develop networks, professional relationships and work effectively in diverse teams.

Assessment Tasks

One key task for the assessment of Outcome 2 will be selected from the following:

• a record of observed active listening techniques

• a role play of performance

• a presentation

Additional assessment with also include a range of the following activities (or equivalent tasks) where students will apply and demonstrate learning:

• participation in school council meetings

• membership of student representative groups

• committee membership

• a case study

• a record of interview

• a record of discussion with guest speakers and/or community groups

Portfolios are a practical and tangible way for a person to communicate relevant skills, experiences and capabilities to education providers and future employers. In this unit students will develop and apply their knowledge and skills relating to portfolios, including the features and characteristics of a high-quality physical and/or digital portfolio. The unit culminates in the formal presentation of a completed portfolio in a panel style interview and an evaluation of the end product.

Area of Study 1: Portfolio development

In this area of study students will explore the purpose of a portfolio and consider the intended audiences and uses of portfolios in different contexts. They will discuss and compare the features and uses of physical and digital portfolios and examine the characteristics of a high-quality portfolio. Students will understand how to prepare a portfolio proposal and how to plan the development of a portfolio.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the limitations and advantages of the features and uses of physical and digital and/or hybrid portfolios as they relate to potential employment in a chosen industry area or application to higher education.

Assessment Tasks

The assessment of Outcome 2 will include:

• evidence of research into a variety of portfolios to identify purpose, characteristics, intended audience and appropriate artefacts.

Area of Study 2: Portfolio presentation

In this area of study, students will apply their knowledge of portfolios by engaging in the process of developing and formally presenting their completed portfolio in a panel style interview. Students will use a range of verbal, written and practical strategies to communicate their skills and knowledge, including visual appeal, and varied and appropriate content. Students will evaluate their portfolio using a range of mechanisms including self-assessment, feedback and comparison with criteria.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to communicate personal skills and attributes, evaluate evidence and analyse presentation skills for future enhancement relevant to employment or study.

Assessment Tasks

The assessment of Outcome 2 will include:

• presentation of a portfolio related to a target industry or target audience panel.

• evaluation of presented portfolio

For more information about VCE Vocational Major, see Adrian Panckhurst