VCAL and VET

What a busy year it has been for both the VET and VCAL faculties. We have seen new staff coming into the faculties with new programs and students completing the last VCAL certificate, ever!

From 2023 VCAL has been upgraded to VCE Vocational Major, one VCE certificate and enhanced subjects that reflect modern practices and fantastic real world resources.

Sometimes we forget as educators that the primary reason for both VET and VCAL is the successful journey that a student undertakes, sometimes against the advice of families and friends. We staff can see the students who would traditionally have struggled in Senior School for whatever reason, flourish and complete their schooling with meaningful outcomes. This is especially true of the Year 12 students, who are now waiting to transition into an apprenticeship or further study at TAFE. Take for instance a student who last year swore black and blue he wanted to be an electrician and would have been a very successful one, now looking at further study in Sports Administration through an Advanced Diploma! Or another student who wanted to be a carpenter, will be studying Sound Engineering next year. Not your traditional VCAL student, but with the experience in the workplace and completing PreApprenticeship courses at TAFE on a weekly basis, have decided to pursue other career options. For me, that proves VCAL and VET works.

Students are great at providing feedback and should do so often. They are the direct end user of the courses we offer and without them, programs would cease to exist. So, asking for feedback on what they experienced or discovered across their three or two-year journey, you will read unedited: Leigh Harris

“I found VCAL really interesting this year, I learnt good skills to help me once I leave Mazenod.” Ben Timothy

“VCAL was a good course and it helped me get into the desired industry I wanted to get into. It was easy to get help due to the constant guidance and support of all the teachers.” Colby Valenzuela

“I found VCAL helpful as I was able to translate my knowledge into hands-on practical work, which is what I prefer.” Rhys Dakin “VCAL is good and I have gained new skills from doing it.” Josh Standen

“I found VCAL to be very beneficial for me because of the easy workload and the different opportunities I can take after Mazenod.” Dylan Dassaye

“VCAL has been helpful for me as it has led me to experience work life, find my job and set me up for life outside of school.” James Zapedowski

“VCAL has been beneficial for me as it has provided an easier workload, which has helped me with my type of learning.” William Daniels

“I have found that VCAL really helped me finish school and helped me focus on my chosen pathway.” Dominic Gargiso

“I found VCAL to be less stressful and more compatible with my style of learning.” Sebastian Rojas

“VCAL did me good” Jason Harbis