Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)

What is VPC?

The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is an inclusive Year 11 and 12 standards-based certificate that meets the needs of a smaller number of students who are not able or ready to complete the VCE (including the VCE Vocational Major). It provides an enriched curriculum and excellent support for students to develop the skills, capabilities and qualities for success in personal and civic life.

The VPC is an accredited foundation secondary qualification under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. It aligns to Level 1 in the Australian Qualifications Framework. While the VPC is not a senior secondary qualification, it can be a pathway to the VCE.

The VPC is designed to develop and extend pathways for young people, while providing flexibility for different cohorts. The VPC is suitable for students whose previous schooling experience may have been disrupted for a variety of reasons, including students with additional needs, students who have missed significant periods of learning and vulnerable students at risk of disengaging from their education. 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 necessary foundation skills to allow them to make a post-schooling transition.

Compulsory Strands

There are four compulsory strands of study:

  • Literacy and Numeracy
  • Work Related Skills
  • Personal Development Skills
  • Industry Specific Skills (VET)

Literacy & Numeracy

Your VPC Program will include Literacy and Numeracy subjects.

Literacy is English. The content of literacy is developed around real life situations where you will need to apply reading, writing, oracy for self expression, knowledge, practical purposes and problem solving.

Numeracy is Maths and is focused on preparing for work, planning and organising, financial and developing numeracy skills.

Industry Specific Skills (VET)

Your VPC program will include a VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualification. You will gain experience and competency in a range of vocational areas. Industry Specific Skills will support employment and future prospects.

Students completing a VPC program select from one or more of the following VET subjects. VET subjects are offered by the Wimmera Southern Mallee (WSM) VET Cluster. A list of VET subjects offered can be found on the WSM VET Cluster website.

Personal Development Skills

As part of the VPC program you will participate in projects and activities in the community or school that will help develop your teamwork skills, self confidence, understanding of local issues, volunteering and community service.

You will learn new skills and help others along the way. Personal Development is about personal growth, helping others and building a connection with your community.

Work Related Skills

In order to develop employability skills; VPC gives you the opportunity to undertake Structured Workplace Learning, School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeships. You will investigate work places, develop OH&S skills and awareness, problem solve, develop work strategies and explore pathway and employment options. The aim of this subject is to prepare you for the workforce.