UPDATE: The VCE Vocational Major program is witnessing a remarkable surge, with over 29,000 students enrolled for the 2025 academic year—an increase of 10% from the previous year. This significant rise highlights a growing preference for vocational education as students seek practical skills and work experience in high-demand industries such as health, construction, and engineering.
The Victorian government is actively promoting the VCE Vocational Major as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing senior secondary education. This initiative is crucial as it equips students with essential skills, preparing them for immediate employment or further studies after graduation. The program’s hands-on approach connects theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, engaging students in a way that traditional academic routes often do not.
Statistics reveal an impressive boost in Year 12 completion rates, climbing from 91.7% in 2021 to a record 97.5% in 2024. Additionally, the retention rate for students from Year 10 to Year 12 has reached a six-year high of 84%, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in keeping students engaged and motivated.
Ben Carroll, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, stated, “We introduced the VCE Vocational Major because every young person deserves to finish Year 12 with an education that sets them up for success in study, training and work.” He emphasized the program’s role in shaping the future workforce of Victoria, particularly in fields crucial for the state’s economic growth.
During a recent visit to Federation Square, Deputy Premier Carroll celebrated the success of students enrolled in the VCE Vocational Major at the ‘Look Up to the Future’ event. The event showcased the program’s impact on students’ lives, like Elliott Smith, a Year 11 student studying VET Cookery and Business, aiming to one day run his own restaurant, and Emily Conroy, who combines VET Sport and Recreation with Business studies, preparing for a career as a primary school teacher.
Starting this year, select components of the VCE Vocational Major curriculum, including Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills, are now accessible to all VCE students, not just those enrolled in the full program. This change aims to broaden the benefits of vocational learning across the board.
Nominations for the 2025 Premier’s VCE Awards, which recognize outstanding students in the VCE Vocational Major category, are set to open later this month. Earlier this year, seven graduates were honored as Outstanding VCE VM Students, pursuing varied passions in fields like agriculture, fashion, and engineering.
The Labor Government has invested $747.6 million in senior secondary reform initiatives since 2018, focusing on equipping students with in-demand skills tailored to the needs of Victoria’s evolving job market. This investment underscores the commitment to fostering a workforce prepared for future challenges in critical sectors.
As vocational education continues to gain traction, the trajectory of the VCE Vocational Major is a clear indicator of its importance. The program is not just shaping individual futures but is integral to the prosperity of Victoria as a whole. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
