VCE and VCE-VM

The VCE Vocational (VM)

• The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a 2-year vocational and applied learning program within the VCE.

•  It 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-VM supports students to develop both their academic and practical skills. It employs a more diverse range of assessment strategies rather than exams.

VCE-VM

The VCE-Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE. VCE- VM gives students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests including TAFE and/or traineeships, Apprenticeships or the Workforce. It enables students to develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work, and life.

VCE-VM provides students with the best opportunity to achieve their personal goals and aspirations in a rapidly changing world by:

● Equipping the students with the skills, knowledge, values, and capabilities to be active and informed citizens, lifelong learners, and confident and creative individuals

● Empowering the students to make informed decisions about the next stages of their lives through real-life workplace experiences.

How is VCE-VM structured? 

For Year 11 students undertaking VCE-VM, they will choose from one of the following pathways:

• Option 1 - VCE-VM Subject-Based; or 

• Option 2 - VCE-VM Industry-Based

How does VCE-VM Subject-Based pathway work? 

Students undertake five (5) days each week of VCE-VM education at St Bede’s College. This pathway includes the following VCE studies:

● VCE-VM Literacy or VCE English

● VCE-VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics

● VCE-VM Work-Related Skills

● VCE-VM Personal Development Skills

● One additional VCE study from the available subjects

How does VCE-VM Industry-Based pathway work? 

Students undertaking this pathway will complete three (3) days each week of VCE-VM education at St Bede’s College, and one (1) day per week at TAFE to complete their compulsory VETDSS Cert II or Cert III VET Course, and one (1) day each week of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) with an employer in their related VET industry one day per week. This program includes the following VCE studies:

● VCE VM Literacy

● VCE VM Numeracy

● VCE VM Work-Related Skills

● VCE VM Personal Development Skills

What is the VETDSS Cert II?
VETDSS stands for Vocational Education and Training Delivered in Secondary Schools is an essential part of the Vocational Major, however can form a subject within the VCE (and contribute to certificate completion and the Student's ATAR). VET courses enable students to earn credit towards a recognised VET qualification while they complete their senior secondary certificate.

The VETDSS Cert II includes: 

• Specific employment skills

• Internal Courses (undertaken at St Bede’s College Mentone)

• External Courses (undertaken at TAFE providers)

• Undertaken as part of Year 11 subjects

A VET course allows students to: 

● Combine a vocational pathway with their studies

● Complete (or work towards) a Certificate I, II, or III qualification

● Keep their options open to pursue further vocational education (such as courses at a Technical and Further Education institute), or move into higher education (such as undertaking courses at university via non-ATAR pathways).

There are lots of VET courses, which are further explained here. 

How does Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) work? 

Structured workplace learning provides students with the opportunity to integrate on-the-job experience with heir VCE-VM and VET studies. Students work with an employer in their related VET industry one day per week. 

Structure of VCE Vocational Major 2026 at St Bede's College Mentone

VCE VM: Subject-Based

• Five days of VCE Vocational Major schooling at St Bede’s College.

  • • • VCE-VM Literacy or VCE English

      • VCE-VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics

      • VCE-VM Work-Related Skills

      • VCE-VM Personal Development Skills

• One additional VCE study from the available subjects

• VETDSS (VET) at TAFE

  • • • Students undertake a Certificate II or Certificate III VET Course one day per week at TAFE

VCE VM: Industry-Based

• • • • Three days of VCE Vocational Major schooling at St Bede’s College

        • • • VCE-VM Literacy

            • VCE-VM Numeracy

            • VCE-VM Personal Development Skills

            • VCE-VM Work-Related Skills

      • VETDSS (VET) at TAFE

        • • • Students undertake a Certificate II or Certificate III VET Course one day a week at TAFE

      • Structured Work Learning (SWL)

        • • • Students will work with an employer in their related VET industry one day per week

If you wish to apply for VCE Vocational Major 2026 please click here. ALL VCE Vocational Major applications are due by Monday August XX.

You also need to apply for VET as part of the VCE Vocational Major. This can be done by clicking here; application for VET subjects are due by Monday August 12. 

You may only select your subjects when you have been accepted.

Further information about VCE Vocational Major 2025 can be accessed at Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Pages/VCEVMStudyDesigns.aspx)

Students interested in pursuing a VCE Vocational Major pathway should speak directly to Mr Justin Shepherd (jms@stbedes.catholic.edu.au).

NOTE: Students will be allocated to their nearest TAFE from their home address or the one that is available for their VET course. 

How to complete selection of subjects

Students will be emailed an "Access Guide" which will contain a link to the Subject Selection Website called Web Preferences.
Using the information in the handbooks and the online instructions students will complete their selections.
A  "How to guide" is included in each of the Year Level pages and will be provided to students separately.