What is Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is accredited secondary school certificate that offers students a more hands-on option in Years 11 and 12.  It is an alternative to Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

VCAL gives students a practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills, the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work.

VCAL is often more suitable for students who are interested in going on to training at TAFE, doing an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing Year 12.

The VCAL consists of 4 Compulsory strands:

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Work Related Skills
• Industry Specific Skills (Vocational Education Training)
• Personal Development Skills

Students who start their VCAL and then decide they would like to complete their VCE, may be able to transfer between certificates. Any VCE studies successfully completed as part of the VCAL program will count towards the VCE.

A certificate and statement of results will be issued to students who successfully complete their VCAL.  Students who complete VCAL do not receive an ENTER score so are unlikely to be able to apply for university courses.

VCAL is offered at 3 levels:

1. Foundation (Yr 10 level) available at TAFE for students with learning difficulties
2. Intermediate: Year 11 Equivalent. Available at some schools & most TAFEs
3. Senior VCAL: Yr 12 Equivalent: Available at some schools & TAFEs

For more information go to  http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vcal/index.html

Where Can I Do VCAL?
VCAL can be completed at school (Government, Private or Catholic), TAFE or in a community setting.

TIPS for making enquiries about VCAL

• What level of VCAL are they offering?
• Do you meet the entry requirements?
• Check the cost
• Check the location-can you get there?
• Check the application procedures