From expos to podcasts and a hanging clothesline, students having been out across Melbourne exploring different opportunities in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) as part of VCE including the VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

Trade and Tech Fit Expo

Over 3,700 female and gender diverse students attended this year’s Trade & Tech Fit expo.

The event featured more than 100 exhibitors including Amazon, Boeing, Reece, North Melbourne Football Club and Victoria’s Big Build to name a few, offering a valuable chance for students to connect with industry mentors across industries such as coding, game design, bricklaying, welding, and more.

“There’s just so many exciting jobs that I never thought about trying before” - Student attendee

 “Seeing everything and trying everything was an eye opener” - Student attendee

The VCAA were proud to be involved in the largest trade and technology expo for female and gender diverse secondary students and delivered a positive collaboration, launching ‘Shape Your VCE’ to students and educators in attendance.

Watch: 2025 Trade and Tech Fit Expo - Highlights video on Vimeo

Look up to the Future in Melbourne CBD 

If you’re visiting Melbourne’s city centre, take a moment to explore the VCE VM activation ‘Look Up to the Future’ on Degraves Street, running from now until the end of August, between Flinders Street and Degraves Place. The activation will feature uniforms inscribed with a VCE VM student’s dream for the future, and aims to challenge outdated perceptions, as well as inspire secondary students and their parents to consider the VCE VM and vocational industries ahead of Year 11 and 12.

Watch: Look Up to the Future | vic.gov.au

Dial in to VCE Vocational Major on radio

At Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community radio station, JOY FM spoke with student Gabi and the VCAA Curriculum and Assessment Manager, Anna Fee to highlight the positivity of the VCE VM pathway for queer and gender diverse students. Visit the JOY FM website to download the podcasts.

For students passionate about creativity and media, a recent Rolling Stone event in St Kilda gave Year 9 and 10 students a firsthand look at the creative careers they can pursue through the VCE VM pathway. Students joined a range of interactive and high-energy workshops run by industry leaders in event production, photography, art direction, audio visual, and beauty. They also experienced a behind-the-scenes live recording of the Rolling Stone’s ‘Behind the Cover’ podcast.

In early July, VCAA Education Specialist, Luci O’Neill and Brighton Secondary College’s VCE VM students, Jai and Clay were invited to share their stories, sitting down with SYN FM presenter Jasmine Alavuk to discuss how the VCE VM has helped them pursue their passions while gaining real-world skills and knowledge. The episode recording will be available soon.

Shape Your VCE

The newly launched Shape Your VCE campaign  provides students and families with key information and resources about studying VET as part of the VCE, VCE VM and VPC.

Shape Your VCE shows how VET can help students prepare for what comes next, whether it be learning skills for full- or part-time work, gaining real-world experience outside the classroom, or preparing for TAFE or university.

Where to Now? Your 2026 guide to senior secondary pathways

For your guide to senior secondary pathways available in Victoria, the VCAA’s 2026 Where to Now Guide provides students in Year 9 and 10 explanations and advice on subjects, pathways and opportunities.