Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is an alternate to the VCE. It is designed to provide students with practical experience, ‘employability’ skills and personal development opportunities which will take them further training in the work place or at TAFE.

There are four compulsory strands of study:

• Literacy and Numeracy skills
• Industry specific skills
• Work related skills
• Personal development skills

Students enter at the level which matches their needs and abilities. A VCAL Certificate and statement of results is awarded at the successful completion of the level chosen.

What do I study?

1. Literacy and Numeracy skills:
Students undertake Foundation English, Foundation Maths or VCE Units 1-4 in English and Maths depending on their abilities and needs.

2. Industry specific skills:
Students may choose industry specific units from VET programs. They need not necessarily complete a single VET certificate and can choose to undertake various modules or units from a range to gain experience in a number of vocational areas. (Eg. Automotive, engineering, hospitality, retail etc.)

3. Work related skills Students choose a weekly work placement, part time apprenticeship or traineeship, part time work or work experience. They maintain a log-book and complete work place related outcomes. Students attend a ‘TAFE Tasters’ program where they work through a range of short courses. (eg. motorsports, Responsible Service of Alcohol, timber studies, landscaping, hospitality etc).

4. Personal development skills Students participate in community based and personally appropriate projects/activities to help develop teamwork skills, self confidence and other life/work skills. (eg. Victorian Youth Development Project, Duke of Edinburgh Award, School based community work etc).