Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)

Students who complete the VCE VM will have several post-secondary options, including further study through training in TAFE (Technical and Further Education), an Apprenticeship or Traineeship, University, or other employment.

To attain the VCE Vocational Major certificate, students must successfully finish at least 16 units, including:

• 3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
• 3 other Unit 3-4 sequences
• 2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units
• 2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
• 2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
• 2 VET (Vocational Education and Training) credits at Certificate II level or above (180 hours)

The VCE Vocational Major is a new vocational and applied learning program that sits within the VCE. Four new subjects that have been added to the VCE which make up the core of a VCE VM program. Like VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning), the VCE Vocational Major takes what is called an ‘Applied Learning approach.’ Applied learning involves students engaging in relevant and authentic learning experiences. It is a method of learning where theoretical information comes to life for students in a real-world context that relates directly to their own future, is within their own control and is within an environment where they feel safe and respected. Students' knowledge grows and expands as they take action to learn, reflect on that action and plan how to do it better next time. The VCE Vocational Major is the replacement for the Intermediate and Senior VCAL. It is a two-year senior secondary certificate that is completed over Years 11 and 12.

The four main studies within the Vocational Major are assessed at a school level through authentic assessment activities. There are no external examinations for the VCE VM studies and therefore students do not receive a study score or an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). Students who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the VCE VM will receive a Victorian Certificate of Education with the words Vocational Major on it to recognise their achievements.

The College offers VCE VM students the opportunity to undertake a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) while completing their studies. Students who commence an apprenticeship or traineeship with an SBAT spend time each week at school, TAFE and in the workplace. Through this program students are able to complete their senior secondary certificate, the VCE Vocational Major, while commencing their career in Years 11 and 12.