THE path to higher education doesn’t have to be cut and dry. The Victorian Budget 2020-21 invests $38M to support students to access high-quality vocational and applied learning pathways and develop a new vocational pathway within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
This is the first stage in implementing the transformative reform agenda recommended by a review into vocational and applied learning pathways for senior secondary students led by John Firth, former Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).
The review found major changes are needed to make sure all Victorian secondary students have access to high quality vocational training that meets their strengths and interests and fosters the development of the skills they need that leads them into further training, education and ultimately, gainful employment.
The review recommended Victoria move to an integrated senior secondary certificate, with vocational education embedded in the VCE. This certificate will replace the existing standalone VCAL certificate. This will give students the opportunity to develop both academic and practical skills.
Other recommendations include:
Vocational and VET training should be more closely aligned with Victoria’s growth sectors and local industry needs. This training should be available to every senior secondary student.
A new Foundation Pathways Certificate should be created to formally recognise the skills and achievements of students who are not ready to complete Year 12. This will support those students to make successful post-school transitions. This will be particularly important for students with a disability and additional needs, and for students experiencing personal challenges.
All students who fully or partially complete vocational and applied learning subjects should receive an enhanced Statement of Results to provide a full picture of their strengths, capabilities and achievements when they finish school.
Schools should receive more support to deliver vocational and applied learning. This can be achieved through improving the capability of teachers and reducing operational and administrative burdens on schools.
The move to a single certificate will happen in stages. The first is the creation of a new vocational specialist pathway within the VCE, with the first cohort of students starting the new certificate in 2023. The next stage will create a fully integrated senior secondary certificate by 2025.
There will be consultation with students, schools, universities, TAFEs, peak bodies, industry and employers and other service providers. Students, schools, families, training providers and employers will be given plenty of notice about what these changes mean for them and will be supported in the lead up to the introduction of changes to the certificate.
From next year, secondary schools will be supported to deliver improved vocational and applied learning pathways for students, helping them reach their higher education and employment goals.
