The Andrews Labor Government is backing the next generation of secondary school students, with more learning opportunities and career pathways into in-demand industries through the VCE Vocational Major in 2023.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today visited Box Hill High, one of the 25 schools offering senior students the choice to study a vocational pathway for the first time.

As part of the Labor Government’s major reforms to school-based vocational education and senior secondary schooling, the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace VCAL from this year.

The modernised integrated certificate will offer students more choice and flexibility in their studies, and the opportunity to align their interests with high-demand industries that lead to good jobs.

The new VCE Vocational Major is now available in almost every Victorian government senior secondary school. Small regional schools previously unable to offer VET classes will be provided additional funding, ensuring the initiative is available for all students across the state.

Students will be able to tailor their studies and choose from a core offering of six priority vocational pathways, including health, community services, building and construction, digital media and technology, hospitality and engineering.

Schools will also offer other pathways based on local student and industry demand, including in areas such as automotive, agriculture and environment, hairdressing and creative industries.

The investment also supports students to undertake specific studies including VCE Literacy, VCE Numeracy, VCE Work-related Skills and VCE Personal Development Skills, ensuring young Victorians are well-positioned to excel in whatever they choose to do after school.

Students in the VCE Vocational Major are required to complete 180 hours of VET paired with their choice of other traditional VCE studies and time in the workplace, all of which provides credit toward their VCE.

The VET funding changes are part of the Labor Government’s $277 million investment into the senior secondary schooling pathway reforms, which build the aspirations and skills of students to meet the needs of the state’s modern economy.