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Senior Pathways – VCE VM (Vocational Major)

A hands-on senior pathway for students ready to build real skills and step confidently into their future.

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A Practical Pathway Built for Real-World Success

The VCE Vocational Major is a hands-on senior secondary pathway for students who want to build practical skills, explore career interests, and move confidently into work, apprenticeships, training, or further study. Rather than following a traditional academic program, VCE VM focuses on applied learning, real-world experience, and skills that matter beyond the classroom.

What is VCE VM?

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a two-year senior secondary qualification, completed in Years 11 and 12. It is a formal credential that sits within the Victorian Certificate of Education framework, offering a structured but flexible alternative to the traditional VCE academic pathway.

Assessment happens through projects, presentations, and applied tasks, much of which is completed in class, in groups, and in workplace settings.

Why Choose VCE VM?

This pathway suits students who want their senior years to feel purposeful and connected to where they are headed. VCE VM:

Builds practical, transferable skills for life and work

Develops confidence, independence, and resilience

Provides early exposure to industries and career pathways

Creates meaningful connections between school and the workforce

Offers flexibility in how and where learning happens

Who is VCE VM For?

VCE VM is designed for senior students who want to head into the workforce, an apprenticeship, or vocational training after school. It works particularly well for students who:

  • Have a clear career focus and want to start building experience in that field while still at school
  • Prefer a hands-on, project-based approach over traditional exams
  • Thrive in collaborative, team-based learning environments
  • Want flexibility in their senior program

VCE VM still involves a significant amount of theory work, but this is delivered through group-based, real-world contexts with a focus on life skills for post-school success.

Please note: VCE VM is not designed for students who plan to go directly to university after completing Year 12. University is still possible through some direct-entry courses or TAFE pathways.

What Students Learn

Students complete a balanced program that combines four core studies, a vocational qualification, and real workplace experience.

Literacy

Students develop the communication skills needed for real life, work, and further study including interpreting and creating texts across workplace, media, and community contexts. The focus is on practical, purposeful communication.

Numeracy

Students build the maths skills used in everyday life, personal finance, and the workplace. Learning is grounded in real problems and contexts, with a strong emphasis on applying mathematical thinking to practical situations.

Personal Development Skills (PDS)

This study focuses on wellbeing, identity, leadership, and community engagement. Students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose as they explore who they are and how they want to contribute to the world around them.

Work Related Skills (WRS)

Students are prepared for the transition from school to work, exploring workplace expectations, future career pathways, and the skills employers value. They develop a personal portfolio to support their post-school goals and can apply what they learn through Structured Workplace Learning.

Vocational Learning (VET)

All VCE VM students are required to complete a Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject as part of their program. This leads to a nationally recognised qualification typically a Certificate II or above.

Courses may be completed on-site or through external providers such as TAFE, and a minimum of 180 hours of VET study is required. Students choose a course that aligns with their interests and career goals. VET qualifications support employment outcomes and can also contribute to future study pathways.

Workplace Experience

Students complete two one-week blocks of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) each year, gaining real experience in a workplace relevant to their interests or career direction.

Students may also undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) while studying, allowing them to begin a formal apprenticeship alongside their school program. This is often an arrangement that often leads directly to employment after school.

Elective Experiences

Beyond the core curriculum, students participate in elective rotations that allow them to explore interests and develop broader skills. Options may include:

  • Community volunteering
  • Business skills
  • Health and fitness
  • Cooking and nutrition
  • Music and creative pursuits
  • ICT and practical skills

Where Can VCE VM Lead?

VCE VM prepares students for a strong range of pathways after school.

Common destinations include:

  • Apprenticeships and traineeships
  • TAFE and further vocational study
  • Direct entry into the workforce

Popular industries for VCE VM graduates include:

  • Trades (plumbing, electrical, carpentry)
  • Hair and beauty services
  • Hospitality
  • Early childhood education
  • Automotive
  • Animal care
  • Allied health
  • Agriculture

University is still possible for VCE VM graduates through direct-entry courses that do not require an ATAR, or by completing a TAFE course first and using that as a university entry pathway.

Our Teaching Team

The VCE VM program at Assumption College is delivered by a dedicated team with real-world experience and a genuine commitment to this style of learning. Students are supported academically, practically and personally as they prepare for life beyond school, with a teaching approach that values confidence, capability and individual growth.

With extensive experience in Vocational Major education, expertise in personalised learning and student wellbeing, and diverse industry and professional backgrounds, our teaching team is well equipped to support students in meaningful and practical ways through the VCE VM program.

How to Get Started

The VCE Vocational Major is a confident, purposeful pathway for students who want their senior years to count toward a real future. Our Pathways Team is here to help every family make an informed decision. If you and your family are interested in VCE VM, the next steps are to:

  • Book an appointment with our Pathways team to explore options together on +61 3 5783 5125
  • Attend a parent information session ran throughout the year – so keep an eye out for communications from the College
  • Contact your child’s LMG or our Pathways team directly for guidance, questions, or further information
Contact Us

Discover More Senior School Pathways

Our VCE VM program is part of a broader senior school experience designed to help every student grow with purpose and confidence. Discover more pathways at Assumption College.

Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE)

The VCE is a two-year academic program recognised for entry to university, TAFE, and employment. It suits students seeking a strong academic foundation with a broad subject selection.
Find out more

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET subjects deliver nationally recognised qualifications alongside VCE or VCE VM studies. Many VET subjects contribute to ATAR calculations, supporting both employment and tertiary outcomes.
Find out more

Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)

A foundation-level certificate designed for students building skills and confidence before entering further study or the workforce. Completed over two years, it supports a supported transition into senior pathways.

School Based Apprenticeship Training (SBAT)

SBATs allow students to begin a paid apprenticeship while completing their senior certificate. Credits contribute toward VCE or VCE VM, with the option to transition to full-time training after school.
Our Pathways Team is here to help every family make an informed decision. Contact Assumption College on +61 3 5783 5125 or speak with your child’s Learning Mentor to get started.