Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

About VCAL

What is the VCAL?

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a senior school certificate that is based on applied learning. 'Applied learning' means that it is a hands-on course that aims to develop skills which will help get you ready for further education, training or employment.

The VCAL has three levels - Foundation, Intermediate and Senior. Senior is the highest level. You would start at the level which matches your needs and your abilities. For example, if you start at Intermediate level, and successfully complete it, you can move up to the Senior level in Year 12. Each level would normally take a year's program to complete.

Training will be offered out of the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia Dookie Campus.

Who can do the VCAL?

The VCAL has been designed to meet the needs of students in Years 11 and 12 who need a course based on practical experience. It is also available to other students, for example to those studying at a TAFE institute.

Are there any entry requirements?

No. Students can enter the VCAL at a level suitable to their learning needs. Your teacher or careers counsellor will be able to assist you in deciding which level is best for you.

How long does it take to complete the VCAL?

You would normally gain a VCAL Certificate on successful completion of an agreed full-year learning program. For example, VCAL at Intermediate level could be completed in Year 11, followed by VCAL at Senior level in Year 12.

What type of subjects make up the VCAL?

Students who undertake the VCAL will develop a learning program with their teacher/careers counsellor by selecting units and modules for each of the VCAL strands.

Strand 1 - Literacy and Numeracy

Your VCAL learning program must include literacy and numeracy. This may involve, for example, the literacy and numeracy units from the Certificates of General Education for Adults of VCE English and Maths units. Your VCAL learning program must include industry specific units from Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs or VCE VET.

Strand 3 - Work Related Skills

Your VCAL learning program may include part-time work, new apprenticeships, work experience and work placement - and units and modules in preparing for work such as occupational health and safety or job interview skills.

Strand 4 - Personal Development Skills

Your VCAL learning program may include local community-based projects, voluntary work and structured activities to help develop self-confidence, teamwork and other skills important for life and work.

What counts toward the VCAL?

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

Yes. You should speak with your teacher or careers counsellor to help plan your VCAL learning program and to work out how much of the certificate you have completed.

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. Some forms of work could include:

Part-time apprenticeship or traineeship
Part-time work
Work placements
Work experience

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

Yes, if you have an 'S' Result for the VCE unit. VCE credits may count toward the VCAL.

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

Yes. Any VCE units successfully completed as part of your VCAL will count towards the VCE. Your VCE record of results can also be transferred. Other units completed as part of VCAL might also be able to be credited towards the VCE - discuss this with your teacher or careers counsellor.

How is the VCAL assessed?

Students must successfully achieve each learning outcome in each unit or module in the VCAL program. You do not need grades. If you do VCAL at the Senior level, then you may enrol in VCE Units 3 and 4 and elect to receive grades and study scores for those subjects.

How do I know if I have successfully completed units in the VCAL?

If you successfully complete the requirements of a VCE Unit of VCE VET Unit, you will receive a Statement of Results. If you successfully complete a VET or Further Education unit or module, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. These will list all units you have successfully completed as part of your VCAL program.

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

No. VCAL students do not have to sit for the GAT unless they intend to enrol in any Unit 3 and 4 VCE subjects.

Where can the VCAL take me?

What do you get after completing the VCAL?

You will receive a VCAL Certificate at Foundation, Intermediate or Senior if you successfully complete your learning program at Foundation, Intermediate of Senior level. You will also get a Statement of Results, listing all VCE, VCE VET and VCAL units, and a Statement of Attainment for VET of Further Education courses.

Can I get into higher eduction if I successfully complete the VCAL?

Normally, a student who wants to go to university must have an ENTER score calculated, based on VCE study. VCAL programs are not designed to lead to an ENTER score. The VCAL prepares students for entry into TAFE certificate courses, apprenticeships and traineeships, and other further education and training.

If you have completed the VCAL and wish to get into higher education, ask your career counsellor for advice.

Where to once I have completed the VCAL?

By doing the VCAL, you will gain experience useful in the world of work, and get a qualification that helps you to develop and extend your pathways into work, apprenticeships/traineeships, further education and/or training including VET courses.

The VCAL will help you develop your literacy and numeracy, develop work related skills, industry specific skills and develop personal and employability skills.

Page updated on November 14, 2005
Authorised by: Student Administration Manager

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