VCE Vocational Major 

VCE-VM Students Take Learning to the Fast Lane at the Formula 1 Grand Prix 

Last week, our VCE-VM (Vocational Major) students had an incredible opportunity to experience real-world learning in action at the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Through the F1 Innovation Hub, students explored a range of STEM and mechanical career pathways, engaging in hands-on activities such as:


• Testing flight simulators

• Using cutting-edge VR technology

• Learning about automotive engineering advancements 

• Connecting with industry professionals

...and more! 



This excursion provided our students with valuable insights into future careers in technology, engineering, and motorsports, and events, reinforcing the practical, hands-on learning that the VCE-VM program is all about.


VCE-VM: Preparing Students for the Future 

Now in its third year, the VCE-Vocational Major (VCE-VM) program continues to empower students at VSC through hands-on, real-world learning. Designed for students who thrive in applied learning environments, this program supports them in developing essential skills for their future careers.

But what is applied learning 

Applied learning is a hands-on, practical approach to education that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences. It focuses on developing problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills by engaging students in projects, workplace learning, and industry-based activities. This approach is particularly beneficial for students who learn best by doing, rather than through traditional theoretical methods.

Previously known as VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning), the VCE-VM has been redeveloped under the VCE umbrella to provide students with an equitable high school completion certificate. This ensures that students graduate with both academic credentials and industry-recognised qualifications through their TAFE or VET studies.

How the program Works 

VCE-VM students engage in a dynamic, three-day school schedule focussed on: 

• Work Related Skills

• Personal Development Skills

• Literacy & Numeracy

In addition, students spend one day per week at a TAFE or VET program (either Wednesday or Friday) and one day in a structured work placement. This balance of classroom learning, vocational training, and industry experience ensures students develop practical skills and real-world job readiness.

Pathways to Employment

Upon completing Year 12, VCE-VM students graduate with recognised qualifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately in a variety of high-demand fields. This year, our Year 11 and 12 students are pursuing qualifications in:

• Community Services (Cert III)

• Events Management (Cert III)

• Allied Health (Cert III)

• Early Childhood Education (Cert III)

• Equine Studies (Cert III)

• Information Technology (Cert III – including Game Art & Animation, Network & Cyber Security)

• Automotive Studies (Cert III)

• Sports & Recreation (Cert III)

• Engineering Studies (Cert III)

• Design Fundamentals (Cert III)

• Animal Care (Cert III)

• Music Industry & Sound Production (Cert III)

• Workplace Skills & Business (Cert III)

• Plumbing (Cert IV)

• Cookery & Hospitality (Dual Program) (Cert III)

• Electrotechnology Studies (Cert III)

• And more! 

With Australia facing a critical vocational skills shortage, we are proud to offer students pathways into essential industries where their expertise will help shape the future workforce.

If you’d like to learn more about the VCE-VM program at VSC, feel free to reach out to us: Narelle.Trippett@education.vic.gov.au