VCE and VCE VM

The VCE Vocational Major (VM)

The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM)

The VCE Vocational Major (VCE 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 or further education and training.

The VCE VM supports students to develop both their academic and practical skills.

VCE VM

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE. The VCE VM offers students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their interests. 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.

VCE VM structure

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

Option 1 - VCE VM Subject-Based

Option 2 - VCE VM Industry-Based

VCE VM Subject-Based pathway

Students undertake five 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

·         VET Certificate 2 in Workplace Skills

·         TAFE: Part-day per week to complete their Cert II or Cert III VET Course

VCE VM Industry-Based pathway

Students undertaking this pathway will complete three days each week of VCE VM education at St Bede’s College, and one day per week at TAFE to complete their compulsory VETDSS Cert II or Cert III VET Course, and one 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

·         SWL one day per week

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) offers nationally accredited, industry-based courses.

VET is nationally recognised training that develops practical and industry-specific knowledge and skills, as well as general skills for employment, training, and further education.

All students completing either of the VCE VM Programs must undertake a VET course.

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).

Application Process

Students interested in pursuing a VET course will receive guidance during the subject selection process. They will participate in an interview and will need to submit their application by the due date.

Important Notes

·         Additional costs apply

·         Classes may clash with regular lessons or run beyond normal school hours

·         Courses are subject to availability and enrolment numbers

·         Students arrange their own travel to and from their course

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)

As a part of the VCE VM program, students are required to undertake Structured Workplace Learning (SWL).

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) involves a student finding an industry placement aligned with their VET program.

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

SWL provides an opportunity for students to apply what they have learnt in their VET program to the real-world work context and develop their employability skills.

SWL provides students with experience and an understanding of work and career opportunities within that industry. The student generally observes various aspects of the work within the industry and is assigned relevant tasks to complete under the supervision of an authorized staff member.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)

·         A School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) offers students the option of combining their senior secondary education with part-time employment and skills training.

·         The program is undertaken under a formal training contract with an employer and has a training plan registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). The training must lead to a nationally recognised qualification, as determined by the VRQA.

·         An SBAT is an integral part of the student’s senior secondary program and study timetable.

·         Regular school attendance is combined with a minimum of 1 timetabled day a week of employment and/or structured training.

VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) Curriculum

Duration: 2 years

Pathways: Apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training (TAFE), non-ATAR university entry or direct employment

The VCE Vocational Major is a practical, hands-on senior secondary certificate designed for students with a vocational pathway in mind. It offers flexibility, real-world learning and a strong focus on employability skills.

Learning is delivered through projects and practical activities; excursions and incursions tailored to student interest.

Course Structure

To achieve the VCE VM, students must complete at least 16 units, including:

·         3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)

·         2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units

·         2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units

·         2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units 

·         2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 hours)

·         Students must complete a minimum of three other Unit 3–4 sequences as part of their program.

VCE VM Selection Process

Students must select the VCE VM option and choose a VET program when completing their 2026 online subject selection process.

Students applying for the VCE VM Program must complete a subject selection interview to assess their suitability for the VCE VM Program.

If you wish to apply for VCE Vocational Major 2026 please click here. ALL VCE Vocational Major applications are due by Monday August 11.

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 11. 

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

Further information about VCE Vocational Major 2026 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.