Applied learning is sometimes referred to as ’hands on’ or practical learning. There are a number of ways students can engage with this type of training while at school.
School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBATs), incorporates training and paid employment to a secondary student’s school curriculum. When a SBAT program is successfully completed, students will gain a nationally recognised qualification as well as their senior school certificate and the possibility of ongoing employment.

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning commonly referred to as VCAL, like the VCE, is a recognised senior qualification. The VCAL’s flexibility enables students to design a study program that suits their interests and learning needs. Students select accredited VCE and Vocational Education and Training (VE&T) modules and units from the following four compulsory strands:

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Work Related Skills
• Industry Specific Skills
• Personal Development Skills

Vocational Education & Training in Schools commonly known as VETiS. VETiS enables a secondary student to combine education with training to provide occupational or work-related knowledge and skills. VETiS is generally completed during Years 11 & 12 however some students may start a VETiS program in Year 10. Students can complete a VETiS program as part of their VCE or their VCAL senior school certificates and forms part of recognised pathways to further education and training.