Features

Features of the VCAL program Vocational Education & Training (VET) & School-Based New Apprenticeships (SBNAs) VCAL students choose either to undertake industry specific VET in schools (VETiS) courses provided by TAFE and other Registered Training Providers (RTOs) or take up part-time school-based apprenticeships or traineeships. A wide variety of VET courses are available, including Certificate II Building and Construction, Certificate II Automotive Engineering, Certificate II Hospitality (Asian Cooking), Certificate II Sport and Recreation, Certificate II Engineering, Certificate II Information Technology and Certificate III Community Services to name a few. Many types of SBNAs are available ranging from automotive, engineering, electrical, carpentry and boat building to hospitality, beauty therapy, sport and recreation, child care and information technology.
Hands-on Projects VCAL students are involved in a range of enterprising hands-on projects. These projects provide students with numerous opportunities to apply and extend their skills and knowledge in real life contexts. Past VCAL student projects have involved students: Developing a campaign to raise awareness about the issue of teenage pregnancy Running workshops for junior students on drugs and other risk-taking activities Organising land care and other environmental projects Organising a'battle of the bands' Fundraising for a range of charities Working with local emergency services (inc. CFA and SES) Building and marketing cubby houses and outdoor furniture Manufacturing and selling a line of aromatherapy and cosmetic products Researching for a local council on community issues such as youth homelessness Creating promotional materials for a range of community organisations, schools and businesses Producing and broadcasting radio and television programs (Syn FM and Syn TV)
Industry visits and guest speakers Visits to a wide range of work places and regular face-to-face contact with people working in industry are highlights of the VCAL program. The Mount Erin VCAL program includes a three day residential 'Industry and Enterprise' camp and visits throughout the year to places such as: Blue Scope Steel (Hastings) Tucks Ridge Winery (Red Hill) Ashcombe Maze (Arthur's Seat) William Angliss College (Melbourne) The Springvale Commercial Precinct Rosebud Hotel Rosebud Country Club Mornington traders market Hotel Sofitel (Melbourne) Chisholm Institute of TAFE (Frankston) Carlton and United Breweries (Abbotsford) HMAS Cerberus (Crib Point)Structured Work Placement
Structured work placement Structured work placement (one day per week throughout the year) is an integral part of the VCAL program and is greatly valued by both students and employers as it:
Increases students' confidence at job interviews Enhances students' perspective on careers and jobs Develops valuable key competencies and employability skills Improves knowledge and experience of the workplace Begins to build networks of contacts in the workplace
The practical pathway to career success! Ninety percent of all VCAL students across the State of Victoria in 2003 made successful transitions from school education into their chosen career pathway. Of these students, 60 per cent made successful transitions into education and training and 30 percent made transitions into apprenticeships, traineeships and other employment pathways. For more information about the Mount Erin College VCAL program contact Tracey Seach (VCAL Coordinator) on (03) 5971 6000.