The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is being replaced. Victorians are being encouraged to have their say on the Victorian Government’s major reforms of school-based vocational education and senior secondary education.
The reforms will see the integration of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) into the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The aim is to give Victorian students high-quality, practical skills that deliver a pathway to Victoria’s most in-demand jobs.
In 2019, the Victorian Government commissioneda review into vocational and applied learning pathways in senior secondary schooling. The Firth Review found that more needed to be done to make vocational and applied learning in schools high quality, relevant to the needs of employers, and available to all students. The Firth Review recommendations provide a roadmap to reform, building on the Victorian Government’s investment of $315.5 million in senior secondary schooling reforms since 2018.
A new foundation certificate will be established from 2023 to support students in all settings to successfully transition to entry level VET or employment after finishing school, particularly students with a disability and additional needs.
member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, is calling for locals to have their say on the new certificate designs, on what units students are going to do as part of their certificate and on what the certificates will be called.
The Government is keen for community feedback on how to best support all students to complete a two-year certificate, the impact of mandating a minimum number of units, and ensuring forms of assessment will best support student learning.
The Government is keen to hear from students, parents, caregivers, schools, TAFEs, universities and other service providers, peak bodies, industry, employers and the wider community through the Engage Victoria website.
