Testimonials
What Employers Are Saying About VCAL
Vic Marett - President, Master Bricklayers Association, Ballarat
"The VCAL provides a young person with an understanding of what a particular industry is all about before they take on an apprenticeship. They won't waste their own or the employer's money training for a few months only to discover they don't like it. If they choose to take up a trade in that industry its because they really want to be there and they'll make a better apprentice because of it. I would recommend any young person who has completed a VCAL certificate to my members and I applaud the Victorian Government for introducing it."
Bill Drummond - Manufacturing Manager, McPhersons Printing, Maryborough
"The VCAL is a way for us to introduce young people to our industry and enable them to make informed career choices. The program equips them with a broad knowledge of OH&S, manual handling, work cover and working online etc, which will benefit them no matter what industry they enter. With this compulsory knowledge under their belt, should they commence work with us, they'll be able to fastrack their apprenticeship and become a tradesperson quicker, due to recognition for prior learning."
Des Piggott - David Nutter Ford, Berwick
"The training and work experience a young person gets with the VCAL gives them a clearer understanding of the industry, so there will be less surprises when they start full-time employment and they'll be more likely to stick with it. If they've already completed certificate modules at TAFE [as part of the VCAL] that count toward an apprenticeship, it means they'll need to spend less time off-site training and will be capable of doing more for the business at an earlier stage."
Geoff Lay - Geoff Lay Plumbing, Clunes
"With the learning Andrew's getting through the VCAL - both at school and on the job - he's already as good as any first year apprentice. His literacy and math skills, his understanding of OH&S and his overall approach to work put him ahead of the game. He's going to make a top apprentice."
Antony Svasek - Web Content Manager, Messenger Media, Churchill
"The VCAL program has certainly given Ben the necessary numeracy, literacy and IT skills to undertake further training at TAFE. Through the combination of learning at school and work-experience, he has quickly become skilled enough to do commercial work. Having him in the office enables senior (mid level) staff in the company to get valuable experience in learning to delegate tasks and direct junior personnel."
