High-achieving Victorians who have built successful careers through vocational education and training (VET) will be showcased as part of a new initiative to inspire the next generation of secondary school students.
Minister for Education James Merlino has opened nominations for the new VET Champions initiative, which will promote the career pathways and opportunities open to secondary school students who pursue VET.
“VET Champions will show students the value of hands on learning – whether through an apprenticeship, traineeship, a certificate or a diploma, future success often begins with vocational training,” Merlino said.
“We want to ensure that all Victorian secondary school students have the opportunity to pursue high-quality VET training in schools which is why we’re developing a new single integrated senior secondary certificate.”
The Andrews Labor Government wants outstanding Victorians from a wide range of industries who are passionate about the work they are doing and the vocational pathways that get them there to take part.
VET Champions could be someone who recently completed a course or apprenticeship or traineeship and is now thriving in their job, or they may be in their 30s and leading an exciting project or their own company.
They will have the opportunity to share their experiences by speaking at events, participating in panel discussions, and meeting with students at school events or at TAFEs.
VET Champions will be supported with specialised training in public speaking and presentation and will have their stories captured with digital content and videos.
The Labor Government is investing $38.1 million to develop a new single integrated senior secondary certificate, following a review that found an integrated certificate will provide all Victorian students with the opportunity to develop academic and practical vocational skills – meaning students don’t have to choose between VCE and VCAL.
The VET Champions initiative will help improve students’ understanding of vocational pathways and career options, which was identified as a recommendation from the review.