Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

VCAL
(Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning)

What is the VCAL?

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a new senior school certificate that is based on applied learning. 'Applied learning' means that students are involved in “hands-on” practical learning experiences that aim to develop skills which will help get them ready for further education, training or employment.

The VCAL has three levels - Foundation, Intermediate and Senior. Students commence at the level which matches their needs and abilities.

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. At Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, all three levels are available with most students entering at Intermediate level.

Are there any entry requirements?

Enrolments at TAFE need to be 16 years of age or older. There is no maximum age. Students apply for entry into this program. Selection is based upon interview and assessment of current abilities. Your VCAL Coordinator will assist you in planning your program at the appropriate level.

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. There may be variations to this depending upon your individual circumstances, skills and abilities .

What type of subjects make up the VCAL?

There are four strands of subjects required for successful completion of a VCAL certificate

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 or VCE English and Maths units.

Strand 2 – Industry Specific Skills

Industry specific units come from Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs or VCE VET. These can be from any industry and may include units you have previously completed.

Strand 3 - Work Related Skills

Work related skills can be completed through part-time work, new apprenticeships, work experience and work placement. Also included are units which prepare you for work such as occupational health and safety or job interview skills.

Strand 4 - Personal Development Skills

Your VCAL learning program also includes 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?

VCAL has great flexibility. It can include:

programs you have previously completed
other Vocation Education Programs
previously completed VCE subjects
VCE subjects through “On Campus” delivery in Shepparton
VCE subjects through “Distance Education”
part-time work
voluntary work positions

Consult with the VCAL Coordinator at the local GOTAFE campus to plan your VCAL learning program.

Can I change back into a VCE program?

Yes. Any VCE units successfully completed as part of your VCAL will count towards the VCE. Other units completed as part of VCAL might also be able to be credited towards the VCE – such as through a VCE VET program. Discuss this with the VCAL Coordinator.

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 VCAL?

If you successfully complete a VET or Further Education unit or module, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You will also receive a results statement from VCAA for the VCAL. If you successfully complete the whole program, you will receive a certificate for the Level of your VCAL course.

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/s for the successfully completed units, plus a “Statement of Results” showing all units or modules attempted and their result.

Can I get into higher education 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.

It is possible however to enter a traditional VCE program after VCAL if you wish to obtain an ENTER score for university entrance.

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.

Want more information

Please contact your local GOTAFE campus to arrange an appointment with the VCAL Coordinator to discuss your individual requirements.

Page updated on December 12, 2005
Authorised by: Margaret Heier