Victorian Pathways Certificate

Overview

Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.

Introduction

The Victorian Pathwys Certificate (VPC) is an accredited foundation secondary qualification under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) and aligned to Level 1 in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The VPC is designed for students in Years 11 and 12 who would benefit from a more individualised program at a more accessible level than a senior secondary program. The VPC is designed to engage students through applied learning and provide flexibility to meet an individual’s learning needs. The VPC is most commonly delivered in Year 11 and 12, depending on a student’s individual learning plan and delivery setting.

Students will gain the skills, knowledge, values, and capabilities to make informed choices about pathways into a senior secondary qualification, entry-level vocational education and training (VET) course, or employment. The curriculum accommodates student aspirations and future employment goals.

VPC learning programs connect students to industry experiences and active participation in the community. Through participation in the VPC students will gain the necessary foundation skills to allow them to make a post-schooling transition.

The VPC has four study areas. These are:

• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Work Related Skills
• Personal Development Skills

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

VPC learning programs accommodate student aspirations and future employment goals and connect students to industry experiences and active participation in the community.

Students will gain the skills, knowledge, values and capabilities to make informed choices about entry level pathways into employment.

Further study

Students will gain the skills, knowledge, values and capabilities to make informed choices about pathways into a senior secondary qualification, or entry level vocational education and training (VET) courses or apprenticeship/trainee programs.

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

General public face-to-face delivery | 2 years course length | Full-time study load

• This course runs full time over 2 years (excluding school holidays), with face to face classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays between 9am - 3pm.
• 80% attendance is required to pass this certificate.
• Some students with particular needs may require additional resources to enable the successful completion of the learning program and some students may require additional time to achieve learning goals.
• GOTAFE offers Learning Support. We strongly recommend to enhance students learnt skills in Work Related units that they participate in 'work experience activities for 1 -2 weeks'

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Portfolios of outcome based student work

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course requires a total of 12 units.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into this course applicants must:

• Turn 16 before the 30th of April on the year of application.
• Provide an approved exemption letter from their school before enrolment.

Prior to enrolling student and parent will need to attend an interview with teacher and lead educator.

Students can enter VPC studies at a time that best suits their learning needs, abilities, and interests.

Student Resources

• Laptop/Computer with internet access. However, students who do not have a computer with internet may be able to access GOTAFE's resources.
• General stationary (Pens, pencils, rulers).

Enrolment

How to Apply

1. Explore – Review the course details to check the fit for your goals. Our team is here from 8:30 – 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 468 233 if you’d like to talk it through.
2. Prepare – Gather any documents you may need, like photo ID, concession or eligibility evidence, residency or visa details, prior study or credit evidence, or your USI (we can help you find or create this).
3. Apply – Click Apply Now and complete your application – its quick and easy.
4. Skills Check – Some courses include a language and numeracy evaluation so we can tailor the right support before you start.
5. Offer – We’ll review your application, contact you if we require anything else, and send you an offer. To secure your place, accept your offer and make any required pre-commencement payment.
6. Welcome to GOTAFE – We’ll finalise your enrolment and share everything you need to feel ready. You may be asked to attend an online or in person induction session where we’ll outline the support available to you from day one.
   

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) does not apply to non-accredited short courses.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Koorie Unit

The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.

Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.