Review into vocational and applied learning pathways in senior secondary schooling [Firth review]

The Victorian Government commissioned this review of vocational and applied learning in senior secondary schooling, including the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), VET delivered to school students (VDSS) and School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) (including HeadStart apprenticeships and traineeships). The review, led by John Firth, collected information through school visits, workshops, forums, meetings, online surveys and submissions. This information fed into the advice provided in this report on how Victoria's vocational and applied learning education programs can effectively equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for post-school success, including advising on the barriers to providing high-quality and valued VCAL and VDSS.

The review found major changes are needed to make sure all Victorian secondary students have access to high quality vocational training that meets their strengths and interests, and gives them the skills they need, and that leads them into further training, education and, ultimately, a great job. It recommends that: (1) Victoria should move to an integrated senior secondary certificate, with vocational education embedded in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE); this certificate will replace the existing standalone VCAL certificate; this will give students the opportunity to develop both academic and practical skills; (2) vocational and VET training should be more closely aligned with Victoria's growth sectors and local industry needs; and this training should be available to every senior secondary student; (3) a new Foundation Pathways Certificate should be created to formally recognise the skills and achievements of students who are not ready to complete Year 12; this will support those students to make successful post-school transitions; and will be particularly important for students with a disability and additional needs, and for students experiencing personal challenges; (4) all students who fully or partially complete vocational and applied learning subjects should receive an enhanced Statement of Results to provide a full picture of their strengths, capabilities and achievements when they finish school; and (5) schools should receive more support to deliver vocational and applied learning; this can be achieved through improving the capability of teachers and reducing operational and administrative burdens on schools.

The Victorian Government accepts in principle all of the review's recommendations and will take a staged approach to implementing the reforms, with each stage informed by stakeholder engagement and budget considerations. Initial priorities are: supporting schools to deliver improved vocational and applied learning pathways for students; and commencing the development of a new vocational and applied pathway within the VCE, with the first students starting the new certificate in 2023.

Edited excerpts from publications and publisher's website. Show less