Victorian Pathways Certificate
From 2026, the Victorian Pathways Certificate will be offered at Chisholm. Our aim is to offer as much flexibility as possible to suit your individual needs, abilities and interests.
What to expect? And benefits
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is a foundation level applied learning qualification to support students aged 16-18 years. You will develop essential literacy, numeracy, personal development and work-related skills to support your goals.
The VPC offers flexible entry and exit points. Students may complete the full two-year VPC program or undertake selected units as part of an individualised pathway. The VPC provides opportunities for students to pathway into further study including VCE, VCE Vocational Major, VET certificates, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment when they are ready.
Who is the VPC program suited to?
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is a foundation level senior secondary qualification designed to support students aged 16 – 18 years who would benefit from a flexible and supportive applied learning program.
It is designed for students who require a more individualised learning pathway, including those who are not yet ready to undertake the VCE or VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM), have experienced interruptions to their education, have additional learning needs, or are seeking to re-engage with schooling while building confidence and essential skills for future pathways.
The VPC provides opportunities to build essential literacy, numeracy, personal development and work-related skills through practical and engaging learning experiences.
Students who enrol in the VPC are more likely to:
- Re-engage with learning in a supportive environment
- Develop confidence and independence as leaners
- Strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills
- Build personal development and workplace readiness skills
- Explore career insights and pathways
- Transition into VCE or VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM)
- Undertake further training, including VET at TAFE pathways
- Move into an apprenticeship, traineeship or employment when ready
VPC program and units
The VPC is made up of four core curriculum areas: Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills. Students may also undertake a VET (Vocational Education and Training) certificate. The VPC also includes elective studies, such as Art and Design, Digital Literacy and Food Studies. The availability of elective subjects may vary from year to year and is dependent on student interest, staffing and timetable arrangements.
Knowledge gained by completing VPC
Literacy
This study is designed to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will apply literacy skills in personal, community, workplace and learning contexts, supporting effective communication and future pathway opportunities.
Numeracy
This study is designed to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding in the practical use of mathematics and numeracy. You will apply numeracy skills in personal, community, workplace and learning contexts to solve everyday problems and make informed decisions.
Work Related Skills
This study is designed to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of the workplace and future career pathways. You will build employability skills, explore career options, develop workplace communication and teamwork skills, and gain an understanding of workplace expectations and safety.
Personal Development Skills
This study is designed to develop your self-awareness, confidence and independence. You will participate in activities that support personal wellbeing, goal setting, community engagement and active citizenship, while building skills for life, learning and work.
Elective Studies
Elective Studies allow students to broaden their learning, explore personal interests and develop practical skills in areas aligned to their future goals. Elective subjects complement the core VPC curriculum and may include Art and Design, Digital Literacy and Food Studies. Elective offerings are subject to timetable availability.
VET
As part of the Victorian Pathways program, students can participate in industry skills, through the VET program. This is designed to develop your knowledge and skills in a vocational (work) context, assisting you to make informed choices in further learning and/or employment. It provides vocational experiences relevant to student interest and abilities.
We offer a variety of VET programs including (but not limited to):
- VCE VM Construction Trades: Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Bricklaying
- VCE VM Health & Community Care: Health Assistant, Nursing, Aged Care, Community Services
- VCE VM Sport: Sport & Recreation, Fitness, Sports Management
- VCE VM Choices: Any other Chisholm VET delivered to secondary student’s pathway course
Commitment to the program
As a VPC student, you’ll need to be committed to your individual program. Teachers, students, parents, VET Departments and workplaces work together for the program to be successful.
You will need to attend class regularly, complete assessments tasks and participate in all activities to ensure you successfully complete the Victorian Pathways Certificate. This includes participating in group activities, excursions, and day-to-day classes.
To achieve the Victorian Pathways Certificate, you must satisfactorily complete 12 units, including:
- 2 units of VPC Literacy
- 2 units of VPC Numeracy
- 2 units of Work Related Skills
- 2 units of Personal Development Skills
- An additional 4 units selected from VPC studies, VET Certificates or other approved learning programs.
How are students assessed?
Assessment is based on the satisfactory achievement of learning outcomes and recognises individual growth and achievement. As the VPC is a stand-alone foundation qualification and not part of the VCE certificate, students do not receive study scores or an ATAR. Your progress is assessed by your teachers through a range of practical and classroom-based learning activities.
Achieving your VPC certificate
The VPC is designed to be flexible and recognise individual achievement. Students may complete the full VPC qualification over two years or undertake selected units as part of an individualised pathway. Students who do not complete all requirements for the certificate will receive recognition for successfully completed studies through a Statement of Results
Need more information?
The VPC team at Senior Secondary and Pathways Program are happy to discuss any further queries you may have regarding our VPC courses or enrolment process.
Frankston
(03) 9238 8140
frankstonvcevm@chisholm.edu.au