VET pathways in schools

Vocational education and training (VET) is an important part of many students’ senior secondary education. They can do VET as part of the VCE, including the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate.

By including VET in their senior secondary program, students develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, as well as general skills they need for success in future employment, training, and further education.

Schools across Victoria are increasing the availability of a core set of VET options, so students can select VET that matches their strengths and interests. This means students will have access to more pathways to work and further education.

Talk to your school about which VET pathways are available.

Priority VET pathways

The priority pathways develop students’ skills and experience in areas of industry need and jobs growth. Our ambition is that in time, all school students will have access to at least one certificate from each of the 6 priority pathway groups.

From 2024, the priority pathways include Clean Energy and Engineering. This supports our goal to give students pathways into roles in Victoria’s renewable energy future.

Health

Certificate II in Health Support Service
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (partial completion) incorporating Certificate III in Health Services Assistance*^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Health program.

Community Services and Early Childhood Education

Certificate II in Active Volunteering
Certificate III in Community Services incorporating Certificate II in Community Service*^
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (partial completion)^
Certificate II in Applied Language
Certificate III in Applied Language

These certificates are in the VCE VET Community Services or Applied Language programs.

Building and Construction

Certificate II in Construction Pathways^
Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (partial completion)^
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)^
Certificate II in Civil Construction^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Building and Construction, Plumbing or Civil Infrastructure programs.

Digital Media and Technologies

Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies
Certificate III in Information Technology*^
Certificate II in Integrated Technologies (Pre-vocational)*^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Integrated Technologies or Information and Communications Technology programs.

Hospitality

Certificate II in Hospitality*^
Certificate II in Cookery (previously Certificate II in Kitchen Operations)*^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Hospitality program.

Clean Energy and Engineering

Certificate II in Engineering Studies*^
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills*^
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)^
Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Engineering, Electrical Industry or Laboratory Skills programs.

* Scored pathway available

^ Unit 3 and 4 sequence available

Flexible VET pathways

The flexible pathways include VET options that match students’ diverse interests and the varying needs for skills in Victorian communities. Our ambition is that in time, all school students will have access to at least 2 certificates from the flexible pathway groups.

Automotive

Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation^

This certificate is in the VCE VET Automotive program.

Agriculture and Environment

Certificate II in Agriculture^
Certificate II in Horticulture^
Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management^
Certificate II in Animal Care^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Ecosystem Management or Animal Care programs.

Hair and Beauty

Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics
Certificate II in Salon Assistant Certificate III in Beauty Services^
Certificate III in Make-Up^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Hair and Beauty program.

Creative Industries

Certificate II in Creative Industries
Certificate III in Screen and Media*^
Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (previously Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology)^
Certificate II in Music
Certificate III in Music (Performance)*^
Certificate III in Music (Sound Production)*^
Certificate III in Dance*^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Creative and Digital Media, Applied Fashion Design and Technology, Dance or Music programs.

Sport and Recreation

Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
Certificate II in Sport and Recreation
Certificate III in Sport and Recreation*^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Sport and Recreation program.

Business

Certificate II in Workplace Skills
Certificate III in Business*^
Certificate II in Small Business (Operations/Innovation)^

These certificates are in the VCE VET Business or Small Business programs.