- Minister for Education
The Andrews Labor Government will review the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Victorian schools, to ensure all students can choose a path through senior secondary school that offers a high-quality qualification providing the technical and practical skills that our economy needs.
This major review of VCAL and VET in schools will make reform recommendations to improve transitions for students between school, further training or education, and work.
The VCAL Review will also examine how students can be better supported to make informed decisions about their pathways, and the benefits of applied learning.
The review will consider the future role of VCAL and look at how it can improve students’ success in further education, training or employment once they have finished school. It will also work to improve the consistency of vocational education and training across Victorian schools, and the links to employers and industry.
VCAL is undertaken by thousands of students each year and enables students to access and complete apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and employment. More than 20,000 students enrolled in a VCAL certificate last year.
VCAL is a “hands-on” option for students in Years 11 and 12 and gives them practical work-related experience as well as literacy and numeracy skills.
Vocational education delivered to school students allows students to receive nationally recognised qualifications and provides an opportunity for students to receive credit towards their VCE or VCAL.
John Firth, former CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) will lead the review. He will be supported by a reference group including representatives from schools and industry, along with experts in the economy and employment.
A final report will be completed in May 2020.
As noted by Minister for Education James Merlino
“Nearly half a million new jobs have been created by the investments and major projects delivered by this Government. We need to make sure that school students have the training to benefit from these jobs.”
“Victorian students should be able to get the best training and skills at school to position them for their future jobs and lives.”
As stated by Chair of the VCAL Review John Firth
“Students, families and employers must be able to trust the quality of vocational and applied learning. That’s what this Review will look at, and that’s what these reforms will deliver.”
