The Implementation of the Victorian Certification of Applied Learning: - An Employers Perspective

A new senior school qualification, the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) has been introduced in Victoria. It is available at the end of the compulsory years of schooling, and comprises three award levels, each designed to have a progression of skills, knowledge and attitudinal development whilst appealing to student's interest and knowledge. VCAL includes a significant component of work related and industry specific skills thereby making a strong connection to the labour market, signalling a further slide towards vocationalising senior school qualifications. The ability of employer groups to cope with the demand of another on the job training certificate appears an extraneous debate in the introduction of such courses. This paper examines the labour market trends in the four shires of North East Victoria, in particular reviewing current and predicted skill shortages, and support by business and industry for the implementation of VCAL in light of existing post compulsory school trends.