Secondary School Programs

As you make your way throughout school, it’s useful to know what types of programs are available to decide which ones are relevant to your career pathway.

VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education)

A senior secondary certificate for students interested in going to university straight from high school. Upon completion of the VCE, students receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) that is required to access higher education courses at university or Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes.

More info can be found on the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority website.

VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning)

A senior secondary certificate for students interested in going on to training at a TAFE, starting an apprenticeship/traineeship or getting a job after completing high school. Based on ‘hands-on’ or applied learning, students gain practical work related experience, literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills important for life and work. VCAL students can transfer to VCE if they decide they would prefer a direct path to university.

More info can be found on the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority website. 

VET in Schools (Vocational Education and Training in Schools)

VET in Schools enables students to combine their VCE or VCAL with vocational subjects that lead to a nationally recognised certificate. VET in Schools is aimed at developing industry specific and workplace skills and usually includes work placement. Courses are available in a range of industry areas. Speak to your career adviser about what options are available through your school.

Download the booklets below to browse through the range of programs available in your area:

  • Northern Melbourne VET Cluster –  booklet for schools in the Cities of Moreland, Darebin
  • Inner Melbourne VET Cluster – booklet for schools in the City of Yarra

Work Experience

Don’t underestimate the power of work experience. It’s your opportunity to get a taste of working in a particular industry. Think about what interests you at school, what you like doing outside of school. Perhaps you have a family member or friend who works in an interesting organisation? What jobs would you like to learn more about? Work experience programs are generally offered in schools during year 10. Work experience is a great way to discover that you either like or don’t like a particular job. Speak to your careers teacher about the type of workplace you’d like to experience working in.

SBAT (School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships)

Start an apprenticeship or traineeship while you’re still at school and get paid to learn. SBATs (also known as Australian School-based Apprenticeships) enable you to work part time as an apprentice or trainee whilst completing your VCE or VCAL. At least one day out of your school timetable needs to be allocated to work or training. Download the SBAT Guide to learn much more.