A 'VCAL Program' is a set of at least ten credits taken over one year or longer. These credits align with four curriculum strands: Literacy and Numeracy (English and Maths), Industry Specific Skills, Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills. One VCAL credit is equivalent to one VCE unit, 100 hours of VET accredited curriculum or Further Education modules. (eg. Certificate 1 modules in Work Education studied at BRIT.) The emphasis of the VCAL is on applied learning, with subject choice being focused on skill and knowledge development for future employment and training.

A student's VCAL program is individual and will depend on your interests and possible future pathways, what you have already completed, and what you must complete to gain the award. The certificate can be undertaken at the Foundation, Intermediate or Senior certificate award level and this allows for students to come into the VCAL at Years 10, 11 or 12. The level of the VCAL program you study is decided by the subjects you select in your individual program.

This learning program is designed by you to meet your needs within the rules laid down by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).

VQA Requirements

You must study:

• At least one credit of Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Maths)- these may be VCAL or VCE subjects.
• At least one credit of Industry Skills – this will be a VET subject at the Intermediate and Senior VCAL levels; at the Foundation level this can be a VET subject or a VCE subject from the Sciences, the Arts, Business Studies, Health & Human Development or Technology studies.
• At least one credit of Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills (VCAL subjects).
• Six credits at the same award level.
• VET accredited curriculum at the Intermediate and Senior award levels.

You must study at least 10 credits overall. You may choose any other units to make up your program of at least ten credits.

Choosing a Program

Step 1: Identify your interests, abilities and strengths and link these with appropriate work/career choices.
Step 2: Consider the Vocational Education programs that the College offers and get some ideas about which options you are most interested in.
Step 3: Identify which English and Maths level you want to study. Discuss this choice with your teachers.

Please Note: An individual course selection interview is compulsory and your counsellor will help you choose a suitable program. At your interview the counsellor makes sure that you are enrolled in the right subjects and that they are at the right award level.

Recognising Prior Studies (RPL)

Prior studies in the VCE or at a TAFE or further education provider may be acknowledged and credit transfer is possible. Decisions relating to the award of credit for RPL rest with the College. You will need to supply evidence of completion for the award of Recognised Prior Learning. This will be discussed with you at the time of enrolment.

Transferring Between VCAL and VCE

Credit transfers between VCAL and VCE exist. The VCAL units in Work Related Skills (WRS), Personal Development Skills (PDS), VCAL Literacy and VCAL Numeracy can be counted towards the VCE award. VCE subjects that align with the VCAA requirements for VCAL will be given as automatic credits. It is possible for students to successfully complete the requirements for both the VCAL and the VCE through the one program.