A $277.5 million investment in the biggest reform to the senior secondary system since the VCE’s inception recognises the increased demand for careers in trades and services.
From 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace VCAL, offering students more choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences — preparing students to jump into further study, training at TAFE or work as soon as they leave school.
An investment of $120.2 million will help schools implement the new certificates and provide every student access to a core offering of 12 different Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways.
The reforms will save many Victorian families up to $1000 by cutting out-of-pocket costs, with students no longer having to pay for essential learning materials for VET studies.
This investment will also see teachers get the professional development they need to implement the curriculum, making sure schools can hit the ground running as they transition to the new certificate.
In addition, every non-government school will be encouraged and supported to provide these new certificates.
There is already strong interest from across the independent and Catholic sectors, and most non-government schools have started preparing to transition to the new pathways.
To build on the school-based vocational and academic education in the new applied learning stream, a further $69.4 million will expand the Head Start program to every government school in the state — giving all students the opportunity to do an apprenticeship or traineeship in an in-demand sector while completing their schooling.
Head Start gives students career planning support, a tailored pathway into the industry of their choice and a fair training wage — all while they’re earning their senior secondary certificate — in key industries like building, construction, community services and health, business, primary industries and technology.
The budget will invest $87.9 million to strengthen the teaching workforce for these new pathways — with funded study to attract 400 extra VET trainers, professional development for up to 1900 teachers and increased funding for jobs, skills and pathways coordinators in schools.
The Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL, preparing students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, non-ATAR university pathways or straight into the workforce.
Vocational Major students will undertake specific studies — literacy, numeracy, work-related skills and personal development skills — as well as 180 hours of VET, their choice of other traditional VCE studies and time in the workplace, which will give them credits towards their certificate.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace Foundation VCAL, designed to help students transition either to the VCE, to entry level VET or employment — particularly focusing on vulnerable students at risk of leaving education or students with additional needs.
