The Murray Mallee (MM) VET Cluster Vision is that all students in the Cluster have access to the core offering of VDSS, including options with the most appropriate provider.

The Murray Mallee LLEN will lead the research and implementation of the Murray Mallee VET Cluster Framework specific to the needs of the students and staff of our Cluster schools and our region’s businesses and industries.

The MM VET Cluster is a partnership between 7 regional secondary schools, RTOs, TAFEs, the Department of Education, and Murray Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network (MMLLEN).

The Murray Mallee VET Cluster consists of the following schools:

  • Kerang Christian College
  • Kerang Technical High School
  • St Mary MacKillop College
  • Swan Hill College
  • Swan Hill College FLO
  • Swan Hill Specialist School
  • Tyrrell College

What is VDSS?

VDSS stands for Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivered to secondary students. VDSS is a program that facilitates senior secondary students to undertake a VET course while still at school with the course endorsed for recognition in the student’s preferred senior secondary pathway.

VCE VET programs are made up of VET qualifications approved by the Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority (VCAA) to contribute towards the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

Features of VDSS

  • VET enables students to gain qualifications for all types of employment, and specific skills to help them in the workplace.
  • Undertaking VET while at school allows students to mix general and vocational education and to make a start on training for a career before they leave school.
  • VET programs are typically completed over two years and provide students with a qualification or partial completion of a nationally recognised certificate.
  • Students can also study VET through School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeships (SBATs).

Benefits of VET Courses:

Completing a VET course while at school means students can make a start on training for a career before they leave school. There are many benefits to undertaking a VET course whilst still at school including:

  • Developing employability through gaining qualifications for all types of employment and industry specific skills
  • Experiencing a mix of general and vocational education which can make school more varied and hands on
  • Achieving a nationally recognised vocational qualification and the senior school certificate at the same time (including the VCE, VCE VM or VPC) and, potentially, an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR),
  • Contributing to the required completion units and time for an apprenticeship or traineeship pursued after school
  • Creating a pathway to further study including course credits
  • Gaining industry and workplace experience, exposure and connection and maximising job opportunities
  • Enhancing knowledge of employer and workplace expectations
  • Focusing on an area of passion / interest

For more information about the Vocational Education and Training Cluster Policy, please go to the Department of Educations website here: www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/vocational-education-training-clusters/policy

If you would like to inquire about the Murray Mallee VET Cluster, please contact MMLLEN’s Cluster Coordinator by filling our your name and details below.