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What counts towards my VCAL?

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What do I study?

With the help of your teacher or careers counsellor, you can develop a learning program that suits your particular learning needs and interests.

You have the choice of selecting units and modules from each of the following four compulsory VCAL strands:

Strand 1 - Literacy and Numeracy Skills

Your VCAL learning program may include VCAL Literacy and Numeracy Skills units, VCE English and Mathematics or other accredited studies such as literacy and numeracy modules from the Certificate in General Education for Adults.

Strand 2 - Industry Specific Skills

Your Intermediate/Senior VCAL learning program must include industry specific units from Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs or VCE VET. However, you are not required to focus on or complete any single VET certificate. For example, you can choose to undertake various modules or units from a range of VET certificates to meet the VCAL requirements, and gain experience in a range of vocational areas. The range of VET options is extensive with recognised training packages available from industries including automotive, engineering, building and construction, hospitality and retail, agriculture, horticulture, warehousing and hair and beauty.

If you enrol in VCAL at Foundation level, you may include appropriate VCE units under this strand, eg Food and Technology, instead of VET unit of competency.

Strand 3 - Work Related Skills

In order to develop 'employability' skills, VCAL gives you the choice of undertaking either a structured work placement or part-time apprenticeship/traineeship or part-time work. You can also study units and modules that will help prepare you for work, for example occupational health and safety or job interview skills.

You may also include appropriate VCE units under this strand, eg Food and Technology.

Strand 4 - Personal Development Skills

As part of your VCAL learning program you must participate in community-based projects, voluntary work and/or structured activities that will help develop your self-confidence, teamwork skills and other skills important for life and work.

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Where can I study the VCAL?

    The VCAL is offered at secondary schools, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and Adult and Community Education (ACE) centres in Victoria.

    You will be required to enrol at your school, TAFE or ACE centre, but you may do part of your VCAL program at other schools, TAFE institutes, ACE centres, registered training organisations, community-based organisations and/or  employers.

    Finding where to study VCAL subjects

    • To find a secondary school offering VCAL, go to the Schools and Study Search page and under the section Search for Schools, click on the 'VCAL' tab and make your selections
    • You can also find your nearest TAFE institution or other training provider by visiting the Education website (www.education.vic.gov.au).

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    I have already started a VET certificate. Will this count towards my VCAL?

      Yes. You should speak with your teacher or careers counsellor to work out how much of your prior study counts towards your VCAL and to plan the remainder of your VCAL learning program.

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      I have already done a VCE subject. Will this count towards the VCAL?

        Yes, if you have an 'S' result for the VCE unit, it will count toward your VCAL. You should speak with your teacher or careers counsellor to work out how much of your prior study counts towards your VCAL and to plan the remainder of your VCAL learning program.

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        Can I swap to the VCE if I change my mind?

          Yes. If you change your mind and want to swap to the VCE, or if you want to pursue your VCE after completing your VCAL, any VCE units successfully completed as part of your VCAL will count towards your VCE. You may also be able to transfer credit for other units and modules completed as part of your VCAL. You should discuss this with your teacher or careers counsellor if you decide to take this option.

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          Can I work part-time and/or continue an apprenticeship while enrolled in the VCAL?

            You can gain recognition and credit for part-time work while enrolled in the VCAL. This work can include:

            • part-time apprenticeship or traineeship
            • part-time work
            • work placements.

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            How is the VCAL assessed?

              You must successfully achieve each learning outcome in each unit or module of your VCAL program. VCE, other VET and accredited courses/certificates are assessed in accordance with existing requirements. Your teacher will explain the requirements to meet the learning outcomes for VCAL units. You do not need to achieve a specific grade to successfully complete any units or modules that count towards your VCAL. 

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              Do I need to sit for the General Achievement Test (GAT)?

                The GAT is a test of knowledge and skills in writing, mathematics, science and technology, humanities and social sciences and the arts. It is undertaken by all students doing one or more VCE Unit 3 and 4 sequences. Students doing a scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence will also be required to sit the GAT. Students whose only enrolment consists of VCAL units are not required to sit the GAT. However, students can choose to sit the GAT if it is appropriate to their pathway into further education, training or employment.

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