The VCE Vocational Major (VM) has specific subjects designed to prepare students for a vocational pathway and
move successfully into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education or directly into the workforce.
VCE VM Work Related Skills prepares students for successful transition into employment or further education by developing essential workplace capabilities and professional understanding. Students learn to research career opportunities using credible sources, set achievable goals, and understand labour market trends to make informed decisions about their future pathways. The course develops crucial employability skills including professional communication, teamwork, interview techniques, resume writing, and portfolio creation, while building understanding of workplace rights, responsibilities, and professional standards. Students explore workplace wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, legal protections, and how to navigate workplace challenges professionally and safely.
Through Structured Workplace Learning opportunities and practical applications, students gain real-world experience while developing the self-advocacy, networking, and presentation skills that employers value. By connecting classroom learning with authentic workplace experiences, this subject provides students with the confidence, knowledge, and professional capabilities needed to succeed in apprenticeships, traineeships, further study, or direct entry into their chosen career field.
FUTURE CAREERS
In this unit students learn to research and evaluate employment opportunities using credible sources including government websites, career specialists, and industry publications. Students explore labour market information including skills shortages, growing industries, emerging fields, and current trends at local, national, and global levels. Students develop critical analysis skills to interpret employment data and graphs, learning the advantages and disadvantages of different career paths. This builds the ability to make informed decisions about future employment by understanding which industries offer the best prospects and how to position oneself for success.
PRESENTATION OF CAREER & EDUCATION GOALS
Students consolidate their research by developing and presenting clear career and education goals. They learn to set SMART goals, identify their personal strengths and challenges, and research specific industries of interest. You will child explore various educational pathways needed to develop skills for their chosen career, including entry-level requirements and training options. Students practice communicating their research findings to different audiences and learn to seek and respond to feedback, developing the self-reflection skills essential for ongoing career planning and decision-making.
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND FURTHER EDUCATION
In this unit students explore the changing nature of work and learn how to distinguish between different types of skills - employability skills (like communication and teamwork), specialist technical skills (specific to certain jobs), and personal capabilities (like growth mindset and work ethic). Individuals discover how these skills apply across different industries and learn to identify and document evidence of their own developing capabilities. This understanding helps students recognise their transferable skills and areas for improvement as they prepare for their chosen career path.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS & CAPABILITIES
Students dive deep into the recruitment process, learning how jobs are advertised, applications are processed, and interviews are conducted. They practice writing professional resumes and cover letters, participate in mock interviews, and learn to present their skills effectively to potential employers. Your child understands the relationship between ongoing training and career advancement, and how skills developed in one context can transfer to other situations. This practical experience builds confidence for real job applications and interviews.
WORKPLACE WELLBEING & PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
In this unit students learn about the characteristics of healthy, collaborative workplaces and develop an understanding of their role in contributing to a positive workplace culture. They explore concepts like work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, and the mutual expectations between employees and employers. Students examine the roles of important organisations like Work Safe Victoria, Fair Work Ombudsman, and human rights commissions. This knowledge helps to develop an understanding of what to expect from good employers and how to be responsible, professional employees themselves.
WORKPLACE RESPONSIBILITIES & RIGHTS
Students learn about their legal rights and responsibilities in the workplace, including the National Employment Standards, different types of employment contracts, and how pay and conditions are determined. They understand serious workplace issues like bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment - what they look like, their legal consequences, and how to report them. Students learn about grievance procedures and the role of unions and advocacy groups, giving them the knowledge to protect themselves and others in the workplace.
COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
In this area of study you can develop practical workplace communication skills, learn how to apply active listening techniques, appropriate questioning methods, and how to work effectively in diverse teams. Students explore the benefits of building professional networks and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues. Individuals practice apply digital communication tools and learn how different industries and workplace cultures affect communication styles. These skills are essential for success in any career and help build the collaborative relationships that make workplaces productive and enjoyable.
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
Students learn to create professional portfolios that showcase their skills, experiences, and capabilities to employers or education providers. They explore different types of portfolios (physical, digital, or hybrid) and understand which format works best for different industries and purposes. Students learn to select appropriate evidence and artifacts, understand what makes a high-quality portfolio, and research current industry practices for their chosen field. This practical skill gives them a competitive edge in job applications and college admissions.
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION
In this area of study, Students formally presents their completed portfolio to a panel, simulating real job interview or college application scenarios. They demonstrate their communication skills by explaining their experiences, achievements, and career goals professionally and confidently. Students learn to evaluate their own presentation skills and portfolio effectiveness, receiving feedback for future improvement. This culminating experience brings together all their learning and gives them real-world experience in professional presentation and self-advocacy.
Throughout all of the units, students have opportunities to apply their learning through Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) or Work Experience, connecting classroom knowledge with real workplace experiences. The study emphasizes applied learning principles, ensuring your child develops practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This comprehensive approach prepares them for successful transitions to further education, apprenticeships, traineeships, or direct entry into the workforce, giving them the confidence and capabilities needed to thrive in their chosen career path.
Resources
Please note some resources may only be accessible via your Preshil Gmail account due to subscription restrictions.