The VCE Vocational Major (VM) was introduced following pressure on VCE to provide students with opportunities in work place environments.
So, how does the VM work? Is it just another subject? Is there an exam or SACs for you to complete? And does it even contribute to your ATAR?
Let’s explore the new opportunity and whether or not it’s suitable for you!
What is the VCE Vocational Major (VM)?
What VM subjects are available?
How is VCE VM different from the VCE?
Why should I do the Vocational Major?
What will I get from the VCE Vocational Major?
What is the VCE Vocational Major (VM)?
The VCE VM is a 2-year applied-learning program within VCE. Providing students with an opportunity to have real life experiences in a range of different industries.
Essentially, the VCE VM program incorporates a range of additional subjects that you can complete while doing VCE.
VM subjects are a great choice for those who also want to learn in the real world and get some employment experience.
How am I assessed?
There are no SACs in VCE VM subjects! Instead teachers will assess you through activities and the only exam you’ll complete is the General Achievement Test (GAT) but you only have to complete Part A.
Read our guide on everything you need to know about the GAT!
Will I Receive an ATAR?
This means VCE VM subjects don’t have a study score, so they don’t count towards your ATAR.
Therefore, you will not receive an ATAR if you choose the VCE VM pathway.
What VM subjects are available?
Like VCE, you have to accomplish 16 units to complete the VCE VM. These must involve:
- 3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English Units
- 2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics Units
- 2 VCE VM Work Related Skills Units
- 2 VCE VM Personal Development
- 3 other Unit 3 and Unit 4 sequences of your choice.
- VET at a Certificate II level or above.
So, what do these subjects involve?
VCE VM Literacy
You will apply literacy skills in different contexts, primarily in media and communications.
This will help prepare you to apply writing, reading and speaking skills in the work place and other such environments.
Should you study VCE English instead?
If you enjoy essays, creative writing, orals and analytical pieces, then VCE English is for you! If you do the Vocational Major you’ll have to complete 3 units, but this includes a Unit 3 and 4 sequence.
Although, VCE English involves very academic writing that doesn’t translate very well to work place environments. So, if you’re looking for more practical writing, VCE English definitely isn’t for you!
Read our full comprehensive guide of VCE English for more information!
VCE VM Numeracy
You will cover a variety of maths concepts, strengthening your skills in applying them to real life contexts, daily tasks, work and the community.
Ultimately, the subject will prepare you for many significant aspects of your life like budgeting, purchasing, tax requirements and planning.
Should you study VCE Mathematics instead?
VCE Mathematics can be practical, theoretical or a mix of both. Don’t worry if maths isn’t your strong suit, there is a VCE Maths subject for every student.
However, the extent of practical mathematics is still limited in the VCE study designs, so if you want to avoid theory as much as possible, VCE Mathematics isn’t for you.
Read our article on which VCE Maths subject you should choose!
VCE VM Work Related Skills
You will learn how to adapt to the world of work and study. Learning about workplaces, how to interact with coworkers, build communication and teamwork skills and how to apply your strengths in a workplace environment.
Essentially, this subject prepares your for the workplace!
VCE VM Personal Development Skills
You will explore how you, others and the community as a whole interact on various regional scales. The subject intends to develop your emotional intelligence, social awareness and leadership qualities.
VET
VET allows students to work towards qualification for all kinds of employment. Gaining specific skills for all kinds of industries, giving students skills to thrive in employment.
VET is quite a big program on its own, be sure to read more about the program and what it provides!
How is VCE VM different from VCE?
It is important to again acknowledge that the VCE VM is within VCE, so you will still do some VCE subjects. However, the main difference is that VCE VM provides more pathways beyond Year 12.
For example, you can do TAFE, an apprenticeship or traineeship. You may even apply to University after some full-time work.
It’s important to note that no path is better than the other. All paths have their strengths and weaknesses. Choose the one that works best for you!
Furthermore, the VCE VM provides you with the opportunity to get industry experience. So you will learn both in the classroom and work space.
While you can still do this with VCE, it’s a lot more difficult to manage, and the experience will often be less valuable.
Need help managing VCE? Read our article on how to manage multiple VCE SACs at once!
Why should I do the Vocational Major?
The VM is for you if you prefer to learn in both the real world and the classroom. Not everyone is cut out for spending everyday learning heaps of content, sometimes having a balance between theoretical and more practical learning is more suitable.
Many people argue that the VCE pathway is outdated and not suited for everyone. So don’t feel like VCE is the only option!
Through the VCE VM, students have worked at a local clinical lab, become confident in medical testing, and received extensive work experience.
Still not sure what to do, read our guide on VCE subject selection for inspiration!
What will I get from the VCE Vocational Major?
When you complete the VCE VM, you’ll receive:
- A ‘Statement of Results’ from VCAA
- A ‘Statement of Attainment’ from your VET training provider
- Your VET qualification
- Your ‘Victorian Certificate of Education’ with the additional words ‘Vocational Major’
Overall, it would be pretty handy to have all of these qualifications. They would certainly keep your options open for the future!
Need more VCE resources?
Boost your chances of acing VCE and check out our other resources!
-
- The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Your First VCE SAC
- How to Manage Multiple VCE SACs at Once
- GAT Sample Papers Master List
- The Comprehensive list of past VCE Exams
- What are the hardest VCE subjects?
- What is the VCE?
- VCE Argument and Language Analysis Past Papers
- The Ultimate Guide to Studying for Your VCE External Exams
- The Definitive Guide to Managing VCE Stress and Anxiety
- How to Write a Text Response Essay for VCE English
Are you looking for some extra help with navigating VCE subject selection?
We have an incredible team of VCE tutors and mentors!
We can help you through each step of VCE and ace your upcoming VCE SACs with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or online!
We’ve supported over 8,000 students over the last 11 years, and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational VCE tutor and mentor, get in touch today or give us a ring on 1300 267 888!
Max Huyton is the VIC Growth Marketer for Art of Smart and a Laws and Commerce student at Monash University. In his other life, Max spends his time reading and writing whenever he gets the chance and cooking extremely mediocre dishes for friends and family.
