The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a ‘hands-on’ option for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

Like the VCE, the VCAL is a recognised senior secondary qualification. Unlike the VCE, which is widely used by students as a pathway to university, the VCAL focuses on ‘hands-on learning’. Students who do the VCAL are more likely to be interested in going on to training at TAFE, doing an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing Year 12.

The VCAL’s flexibility enables students to design a study program that suits their interests and learning needs. Students select accredited curriculum components from VCE studies, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, Further Education (FE) and VCAL units. There arefour compulsory strands in VCAL:

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Work Related Skills
• Industry Specific Skills
• Personal Development Skills.

Students who start their VCAL and then decide they would like to complete their VCE, are able to transfer between certificates. Any VCE studies successfully completed as part of the VCAL program will count towards the VCE.

A certificate and Statement of Results will be issued to students who successfully complete their VCAL.

VCAL Hands-On Booklet
This booklet is provided in English and other languages for Years 11 and 12 students and their parents.

VCAL Information Sheets
Further information on VCAL units, applied learning and integrated programs.

Peter Lalor Vocational College staff are excited to offer the only secondary school Foundation VCAL program in the Northern Region. This program is usually taken up by students who are 15 years of age and over, who wish to undertake Vocational Education and Training (VET) alongside the VCAL Certificate. Students undertake Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills, Personal Development, VET and one day of Structured Work Placement. Typically a Foundation timetable would be:

This program is usually taken up by, but not limited to year 11 students. Students would undertake Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills,  Personal Development, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and a day of Structured Work Placement. Many of our students also combine their VCAL studies with a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship Typically a Intermediate timetable would be:

This program is usually taken up by, but not limited to year 12 students. Students would undertake Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills, Personal Development, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and a day of Structured Work Placement. Like the VCE, Senior VCAL is a nationally recognised year 12 qualification. Upon completion of the Senior VCAL students may choose to move on to higher education and training at TAFE or another registered training organisation, move into an apprenticeship or simply enter full time employment. Typically a Senior timetable would be: