The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) at Melbourne Polytechnic is a hands-on, practical pathway that gets you ready for work, life, and future success. If you’re looking for something beyond the classroom, where learning happens in real-world environments and instructors support you every step of the way, this is it.
The VCE VM is perfect for students who want to combine their final years of school with hands-on skills, real-life experiences, and pathways to employment or further study. Exams are replaced with different types of activity-based assessments, and the classroom is swapped for specialist training facilities equipped with the latest gear used by industry professionals.
If you’re ready for a senior school experience that sets you up for a bright future, Melbourne Polytechnic’s VCE VM is your next step.
You’ll complete a minimum of 16 units, which include:
Most students will undertake 16-20 units over two years. You could also spend time learning in a workplace known as Structured Workplace Learning Recognition.
VCE VM is ideal for students who:
The VCE VM prepares you for a variety of exciting future opportunities, including:
By completing the VCE VM at Melbourne Polytechnic, you will:
At Melbourne Polytechnic, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Our experienced instructors are industry professionals who are passionate about helping you achieve your goals. Flexible learning options and personalised pathways ensure you can adapt your studies to suit your circumstances.
You’ll have access to industry-level facilities across Melbourne Polytechnic’s campuses, designed to give you hands-on training in real-world settings. Our modern classrooms, workshops, and practical learning spaces ensure you graduate ready for the workforce.
Melbourne Polytechnic has strong industry connections and partnerships that open doors for:
• Structured Workplace Learning opportunities.
• Networking with industry professionals.
• Pathways to further study, including diplomas, certificates, and alternative entry university programs.
Start building your future while still at school and step confidently into further education or employment.
The VCE Vocational Major at Melbourne Polytechnic is about choosing a VCE that suits your world so you can pursue your talents and passions.
Whether you’re exploring careers in high-demand industries, preparing for further education, or developing life-ready skills, this program gives you the tools to succeed.
Yes. Melbourne Polytechnic is approved by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) to deliver the VCE Vocational Major.
Yes. The VCE Vocational Major is a nationally recognised secondary qualification as set out under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
It is approved by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and is accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).
The VCE Vocational Major is a two-year applied learning program that’s part of the VCE. On completion, you’ll receive your Victorian Certificate of Education with the additional words ‘Vocational Major’ to signify that you’ve completed your Year 12 studies.
It differs from the standard VCE structure in that it gives you more options beyond the traditional classroom whilst still recognising your studies at the senior secondary level (without a tertiary ranking score). It’s a great choice if you’re looking to pursue TAFE, an apprenticeship, a traineeship, or full-time work immediately after Year 12.
Many universities offer admission pathways to their courses without an ATAR score, and the VCE VM is a great option to explore a field of study that you’re already passionate about.
The VCE Vocational Major isn’t just for students who like ‘hands-on’ learning – it opens secondary school learners to a whole new world of possibilities and career opportunities. Students who enjoy classroom-based work still find the practical nature of TAFE studies adds extra insight to the subjects they study. Students also enjoy the social nature of vocational learning where they work alongside peers who share similar interests. And the VCE Vocational Major program also helps students understand how classroom-based subjects are appliable in the real world.
Whether you enjoy conventional schooling, or prefer hands-on learning, the VCE Vocational Major at Melbourne Polytechnic is for students of all interests and abilities to help them grow in their chosen field with real-life knowledge and skills.