The Andrews Labor Government is giving parents, students, schools and other key stakeholders a say in the future of vocational education and applied learning in schools.

Minister for Education James Merlino established the review of VCAL and VET in schools to improve vocational education and applied learning, so students receive a high-quality qualification with the technical and practical skills that our economy needs.

The review, led by former CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority John Firth, will make recommendations to reform vocational and applied learning in senior secondary schooling to ensure it meets the needs of all students.

It will consider how to improve students’ success in further education, training or employment once they have finished school.

Feedback is being sought on a number of topics relating to vocational and applied learning. These include program design and structure, delivery and accessibility, confidence in qualifications, as well as improving student outcomes.

VCAL is a “hands-on” option for students in Years 11 and 12, giving them practical work-related experience as well as literacy and numeracy skills. More than 20,000 students enrolled in a VCAL certificate last year.

Vocational education delivered to school students allows students to receive nationally recognised qualifications and provides an opportunity for students to receive credit towards their VCE or VCAL. Feedback submissions can be made through engage.vic.gov.au/vcalreview until 27 March 2020.

The review began extensive consultation with stakeholders in mid-November 2019 and will continue to do so throughout the consultation period to accompany the online feedback.

A final report will be completed in May 2020.