Senior Secondary 2027 Pathways Information

VCE

VOCATIONAL MAJOR

The Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM) is a two-year vocational and applied learning program within the VCE, designed for students in Years 11 and 12.

In 2025, 15% of all VCE students chose to undertake the VCE VM pathway, a number that continues to grow with each passing cohort, reflecting the growing demand for flexible, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond school.

VCE VM focuses on developing practical skills, personal growth, teamwork, communication, and confidence through real-world learning opportunities. Students engage in a range of applied learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with industry, community, and workplace contexts. The program supports pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university through alternative entry pathways, or direct employment.

With a strong emphasis on practical learning, VCE VM incorporates a diverse range of assessment strategies that allow students to demonstrate their skills and understanding in meaningful and authentic ways.

What to expect when completing the VCE VM Pathway.

Whilst completing the mandatory subject requirements for VCE VM, students at St Augustine's College also have the opportunity to engage in CAFE, a hands on, barista style learning environment that focuses on basic kitchen skills and safety, food preparation, customer service and more.

Students also complete Work Experience or Structured Workplace Learning. This takes place every Thursday, and provides students with a range of opportunities to try new industries and make community business connections.

Here at St Augustine's College, the VCE VM Pathway takes place over two years.

To successfully obtain a Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major, students must complete at least 16 units.

These include;

3 VCE VM Literacy and/or VCE English units (with a unit 3-4 sequence).

2 VCE VM Numeracy and/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.

For students to obtain a satisfactory in these units, teachers assess progress of outcomes through a range of activities. From hands on, practical applications of skills, to community- based involvement and projects that run across VCE VM subjects.

Students completing the VCE VM Pathway will not recieve an ATAR due to there being no external assessments required.

All VCE VM students will undertake the General Achievement Test (GAT), and some students may choose to complete their scored VCE VET exams.

For more information, please contact Mrs Cath Anderson.

“We’re celebrating the thousands of VCE Vocational Major students who will go on to drive Victoria’s prosperity into the future, in construction, health and the renewable energy transition.” - Education Minister Ben Carroll.

The 5 Pillars of Applied Learning underpin everything that VCE VM works towards. Students who undertake the VCE VM Pathway are involved in a program that is tailored to their needs, whilst allowing for student agency, encouraging them to follow their passions and demonstrate their successes in a multitude of learning experiences.

These principles ensure that VCE VM students build vital technical and employability skills, effectively preparing them for future employment, training, and civic life.