Structure
The VCAL Work Related Skills units are designed at three levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Senior. The levels reflect student progression in knowledge, skills and attributes in relation to work readiness. Two units exist at each level:
Work Related Skills Unit 1 at each VCAL level is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of OHS, as well as a range of work environments and pathways. This unit has five learning outcomes.
Work Related Skills Unit 2 at each VCAL level is designed to develop knowledge, skills and attributes with a particular focus on employability skills and their application in specific industry and workplace settings. This unit has six learning outcomes.
The purpose of the VCAL Work Related Skills Strand is to develop student skills, knowledge and attributes valued within community and work environments as a preparation for employment. The development of employability skills within this strand provides students with a capacity to explore, consider and choose from a range of pathways. Knowledge and understanding of occupational health and safety (OHS) is integral to student preparation for a variety of community and work environments.
Foundation
A simple work-related activity means a single or basic grouping of activities, conducted under close supervision with access to high levels of direction and support. In Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) terms this is generally at Certificate I level.
A presentation means a 3–5 minute presentation, supported by appropriate technology, to the class or teacher.
Unit 1 - Outcomes:
Identify OHS roles and responsibilities of the relevant personnel in a selected work environment.
Identify and apply basic OHS procedures in a selected workplace.
Work in a team to plan and undertake a basic OHS activity.
Research employment opportunities in a selected workplace and learn about conditions of employment.
Prepare an application for an employment opportunity.
Unit 2 - Outcomes:
Work in a team to plan and organise a simple work-related activity.
Identify and demonstrate employability skills required for a simple work-related activity.
Identify workplace issues relevant to a simple work-related activity.
Work in a team to complete a simple work-related activity.
Review the process and outcome of a simple work-related activity.
Intermediate
A complex work-related activity or project involves work conducted under supervision and reasonably self-directed in regard to planning and work activities. In AQF terms, this is generally at Certificate I or II level.
A presentation means a 5–8 minute presentation, supported by appropriate technology, to a relevant audience.
Unit 1 - Outcomes:
Research and describe OHS roles and responsibilities of the relevant personnel in a selected work environment.
Identify and apply complex OHS procedures in a selected workplace.
Work in a team to plan and undertake a complex OHS activity.
Research and present findings on employment opportunities and conditions in a selected workplace.
Prepare an application for an employment opportunity.
Unit 2 - Outcomes:
Work in a team to research and plan a complex work-related activity or project.
Describe, analyse and demonstrate employability skills valued in a complex work-related activity or project.
Identify and solve issues relevant to a complex work-related activity or project.
Work cohesively in a team to complete a complex work-related activity or project.
Review and evaluate the process and outcome of a complex work-related activity or project.
Develop and deliver a presentation on a complex work-related activity or project, using appropriate technology.
Senior
A complex, self-directed work-related project involves work conducted under supervision and self-directed in regard to planning and work activities. In AQF terms, this is generally at Certificate II or III level.
A sustained presentation means an 8–10 minute presentation, supported by appropriate technology, to a relevant audience, including stakeholders.
Unit 1 - Outcomes:
Communicate ideas and information about a range of complex OHS requirements in a selected work environment.
Conduct a risk assessment of potential hazards within a selected workplace.
Undertake a self-directed, complex OHS project.
Research, analyse and present findings on employment opportunities and conditions in a selected industry.
Prepare and critically analyse an application for an employment opportunity.
Unit 2 - Outcomes:
Demonstrate initiative/enterprise in the planning of a complex, self-directed work-related project.
Investigate, analyse and demonstrate employability skills valued in a complex, self-directed work- related project.
Identify, analyse and solve issues related to a complex, self-directed work-related project.
Work cohesively with others to support the completion of a complex, self-directed work-related project.
Analyse and evaluate the process and outcomes of a complex, self-directed work-related project.
Deliver a sustained presentation of a complex, self-directed work-related project using technology in an innovative manner.