Pathways for Students with Disabilities While Still At School
There are multiple pathways students can follow through their final years of secondary school in Victoria. Students with disabilities can undertake programs such as the Victorian Certificate of Education, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, Vocational Education and Training in Schools, School Based Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship programs, but may benefit from assistance from you, their teachers and careers advisers in deciding their best options. Specific programs are also offered through specialist schools as well as additional activities to support students with disabilities gain the maximum benefits from their work place learning experiences.
The programs and supports to help students with disabilities find future pathways while still at school include:
- Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
- Special School Programs
- Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS)
- Pre-apprenticeship programs
- School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- Workplace learning
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12. The VCAL provides the opportunity to attain practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills, industry specific skills and personal development skills that are important for life and work.
A VCAL program includes units from four compulsory strands – literacy and numeracy, industry specific skills, work related skills, and personal development. Within the VCAL students can undertake Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs. The VCAL program may be started in Year 11 or 12 and is also available at TAFE institutes and a number of Adult and Community Education centres.
Students start the VCAL at one of three levels that best matches their needs and abilities - Foundation, Intermediate or Senior.
Students who do the VCAL are likely to be interested in going on to training at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes, doing an apprenticeship or traineeship, or getting a job after finishing school.
For more information, see:
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Secondary schools in Victoria deliver the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The VCE provides a great deal of flexibility to include units that will meet the needs of students.
There are more than 90 studies available, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) units. It is recognised internationally, and provides pathways to further study at university, TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and the world of work.
The VCE is usually completed in Years 11 and 12, but can be started in Year 10.
For more information, see:
Special School Programs
Students seeking an alternative education in a Special School undertake a multi-faceted program that develops the key competencies proven to be necessary for future pathways in post-school life.
These programs aim to develop confidence and competence in the skills needed to function in post-school employment, further education and training, leisure and recreation and home and community living.
Students do a variety of subjects selected to suit their needs - Literacy and Numeracy skills, Personal Development, Work Related skills, Travel, Orientation and Mobility, Technology for Life and more. A number of Specialist Schools offer the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Further Education courses.
To find a Specialist School in your location, see:
Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS)
VET in Schools programs are designed to expand opportunities and pathways for senior secondary students, and improve post compulsory educational outcomes, as well as address the employment needs of industry in Victoria.
Generally, students can undertake VET programs as part of their VCE or VCAL. These VET programs include VET in Schools, School Based Apprenticeships and traineeships and pre-apprenticeships. They are designed to:
- provide a vocational qualification and contribute to a senior secondary certificate
- provide courses that are motivating and engaging
- expand opportunities and pathways for senior secondary students
- link schools to industry and training providers
- help meet the needs of industry
- prepare young people for the workplace of the future
- assist students gain employability skills.
For more information, see: Vocational Education and Training in Schools
Pre-apprenticeship programs
Pre-apprenticeship programs provide a pathway to full time apprenticeships in selected industries available to senior secondary school students. They can reduce the time required to complete an apprenticeship.
For more information, see: Skills Victoria's Pre-apprenticeships
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are distinct pathways within VET in Schools that combine part time employment, school and training
For more information, see: School Based Apprenticeships
Workplace learning
Students undertake workplace learning through work experience and structured work place learning. Students need to experience a variety of workplace learning activities while they are at school, to develop a realistic understanding of the world of work, including addressing employer expectations, developing employability skills, exploring possible career options, and activities aimed to increase their self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence.
Students with disabilities may need more workplace experiences to develop their understandings of workplaces and ensure they feel comfortable and capable of participating.
Students with disabilities should be well prepared for their workplace learning experiences and may need experiences that are well structured. Careful, individualised planning will assist students to have a positive experience and provide an opportunity for them to explore a range of post school pathways.
Students' family/carers can help to make workplace experiences positive, by talking about young people’s expectations of the world of work, how they can best work in a new environment, and what employer expectations may be, in terms of appropriate appearance and behaviour.
All students do Occupational Health and Safety (safe@work) activities prior to entering the workplace. Additional activities, including A Job Well Done, are provided for young people with disabilities to ensure that they can have a safe and worthwhile experience.
Work experience
Work experience is the short term placement of students with “host” employers, to provide insights into the industry and the work place in which they are located. Students are placed with employers to observe and learn about the world of work.
Students over the age of 14 are able to undertake work experience with an employer. Prior to turning 15, there are additional requirements for students and employers.
Organised by the school, work experience placements are usually for 1 or 2 weeks. Going on work experience is a great way to find out what working life is like, learn about industry and meet new people.
For students with disabilities, programs may be tailored to suit their needs. Some students may do one or two days per week with an employer over a longer time period. They may also do more than one work experience placement.
For more information, see: Work experience
Structured Workplace Learning
Through structured workplace learning, students undertake structured on the job training where they are expected to master a particular set of skills and competencies related to accredited courses. Students undertaking VET programs as part of either VCE or VCAL are often expected to complete a certain amount of on the job training, to learn important skills related to their course. VCAL students also have to undertake structured workplace learning as part of their program.
For more information, see: Structured workplace learning