The Victorian Government will undertake a major review of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools to make reform recommendations that seek to improve transitions for students between school, further training or education and work.
The VCAL Review will also look at how students can be better supported to make informed decisions about their pathways, and the benefits of applied learning.
The future role of VCAL and how it can improve students’ success in further education, training or employment once they have finished school will also be investigated, along with ways to improve the consistency of vocational education and training across Victorian schools, and the links to employers and industry.
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. Over 20,000 students enrolled in a VCAL certificate last year, which enables them to access and complete apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and employment.
The VCAL Review will be led by former CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), John Firth. He will be supported by a reference group including representatives from schools and industry, along with experts in the economy and employment.
“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,” said Mr Firth.
A final report will be completed in May 2020.