It has been interesting to see the recent attention in the media regarding the VCE Vocational Major. An article in The Age on Monday 28 April, ‘More students hop into VCE’s vocational stream’, highlights the surge in enrolments of almost 20% across the state into the VCE VM, as Year 11 and 12 students seek an alternative to the stress of pursuing an ATAR in their senior studies. With 26,600 students now completing VET vocational training as part of their studies, the number of students completing VCE VM is rising rapidly. The growth is set to continue, as students realise the flexibility that VCE VM offers them to combine their chosen VET with their studies, compared with the traditional VCE pathway.
OLMC offers VCE VM as a senior pathway in Years 11 and 12. The students who have elected to do VCE VM at OLMC are generally pretty clear on their pathway beyond school. They enjoy not having the pressure to achieve an ATAR, the flexibility in the program, and the focus on their personal development and work-related skills. Work placement and the vocational subjects as part of VCE VM studies are an added advantage for students to gain access to tertiary studies and work opportunities post-Year 12.
The VCE VM is working for Harriet, who is studying Allied Health at Box Hill TAFE. ‘I like VCE VM due to the hands on and practical learning which is connected to the real world. Work placement gave me the chance to experience a real workplace environment and explore the different career options in the healthcare field. This hands-on experience really helped me decide on the career path I want to take after school.’ Next year, Harriet plans to study a Diploma of Nursing to become an Enrolled Nurse, with a view to continuing her studies in a Bachelor of Nursing at university in the future.
Lola began her senior studies in VCE and then decided it wasn’t for her! She made the move into VCE VM in Year 12 and has ‘absolutely no regrets’. ‘Last year, I struggled to manage the stress of SACS, exams, and schoolwork on top of all my outside commitments. VCE VM has given me the space to manage that better, and for the first time in a while, I actually enjoy coming to school. It’s given me the chance to come out of my shell and actually use the leadership skills I’ve always had. I’m definitely happy I made the move—it’s made school feel meaningful again, and it’s helping me build skills I’ll actually use in my future career in real estate.’
The VCE VM is an ideal pathway for a growing number of students. Those students who are considering their options for Years 11 and 12 are encouraged to have a chat with their parents and to come and speak with the Pathways team, to discuss how VCE VM can work for them!
Helen Hamblin
Senior Vocational Program Coordinator
