Community perceptions about VCAL need to change for it to be seen as a viable year 12 option and employment pathway, educators say. 

Brauer College careers teacher Iain Jackson said some students were reluctant to study VCAL “because the perception (from their peers) is it’s a lesser choice”.

Mr Jackson said more needed to be done to reduce the stigma and change community attitudes.

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for students in years 11 and 12, like VCE, VCAL is a recognised senior secondary qualification. 

“It’s a fantastic program that gives kids work experience, gives them vocational training and there’s nothing wrong with that,” he said. 

“It’s a great way to achieve your year 12 and it sets kids up with a direct pathway into a very viable career.”

Emmanuel College VET in Schools pathway co-ordinator David Gladman agreed and said the success stories should be celebrated. 

“There is a real gap there between some of these students that actually undertake VCAL and VET in Schools and what they achieve and what they go on to be,” Mr Gladman said. 

“The community needs to understand the programs within the schools that are being delivered to enhance opportunities for students.”

South West TAFE senior educator for VCAL Emma McDonald said while she felt VCAL was misunderstood, there had been a positive shift.

“I think we’re getting there,” she said.

“It’s a slow process but if people can be aware of what the students are doing and why they’re doing the program I think it will shift a lot quicker.”

She said TAFE VCAL students tried different vocations, while gaining their year 10, 11 and 12 qualifications, enabling them to pursue further study or employment.

She said many employers preferred VCAL students, rather than school leavers, because they had practical work skills. 

Students learn about workplace expectations and communicating with staff. “We really try to concentrate on that because it is a preparedness for work, rather than a preparedness to university,” she said.