VCAL

What is VCAL?
Who can do VCAL?
What courses can I do with VCAL?
Where can VCAL take me?

What is VCAL?

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a new senior school certificate that is based on applied learning. 'Applied learning' means that it is a hands-on course and that it aims to develop skills, which help get you ready for further education, training or employment.

Who can do VCAL?

The VCAL has been designed to meet the needs of students in Years 11 and 12 who need a course based on practical vocational training.

Are there any entry requirements?

No. Students can enter the VCAL at a level suitable to their learning needs. Your teacher or careers counselor will be able to assist you in deciding which level is best for you.

What will I achieve?

• A recognised alternative senior certificate
• Entry levels into the Hair & Beauty industry
• Statements of Attainment or Certificates
• VCE Credits (if relevant)

How long does it take to complete VCAL?

You would normally gain a VCAL Certificate on successful completion of an agreed full-year learning program. For example, VCAL at Intermediate level could be completed in Year 11, followed by VCAL at Senior level in Year 12.

What types of subjects make up VCAL?

Students who undertake the VCAL will develop a learning program with their teacher/careers counselor by selecting units and modules for each of the VCAL Strands.

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 Math's units.

Strand 2 - Industry Specific Skills

Your VCAL learning program must include industry specific units from Vocational Education and Training, for example, Certificate II in Hairdressing and Certificate II in Beauty.

Strand 3 - Work related Skills

Your VCAL learning program may include part-time work, new apprenticeships, work experience and work placement in hairdressing or beauty salons.

Strand 4 - Personal Development Skills

Your VCAL learning program may include a local and community-based project, portfolio or other projects organized with The Australian College of Hair Design & Beauty, and your VCAL co-ordinator.

Can I work part-time and/or continue an apprenticeship while enrolled in VCAL?

You can gain recognition and credit for part-time work while enrolled in the VCAL. Some forms of work could include:

• Part-time apprenticeship or traineeship
• Part-time work
• Work placements
• Work experience

I have already completed a VCE subject. Will this count towards the VCAL?

Yes, if you have an 'S" result for the VCE unit. VCE credits may count toward VCAL.

Can I swap to the VCE if I change my mind?

Yes. Any VCE units successfully completed as part of your VCAL will count towards the VCE. Your VCE record of results can also be transferred. Other units completed, as part of your VCAL might also be able to be credited towards VCE - discuss this with your teacher or careers counselor.

How is 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 units from the VCAL?

If you successfully complete the requirements of a VCE Unit or VCE VET Unit, you will receive a Statement of Results. If you successfully complete a VET or Further Education unit or module, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. These will list all the units you have successfully completed as part of your VCAL program.

Where can VCAL take me?

What do you get after completing the VCAL?
You will receive a VCAL Certificate at Foundation, Intermediate or Senior level. You will also get a Statement of Results, listing all VCE, VET and VCAL units, and a Statement of Attainment for VET or Further Education courses.

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 scores. VCAL programs are not designed to lead to an ENTER score. The VCAL prepares students for entry into TAFE certificate course, apprenticeships and traineeships, and other further education and training.

If you have completed the VCAL and wish to get into higher education, ask your school for advice.

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 employability skills.