Victorian Pathways Certificate

The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) provides an engaging curriculum and excellent support for students to develop the skills, capabilities and qualities for success in personal and civic life.

The VPC is an accredited foundation secondary qualification and although the VPC is not a senior secondary qualification, it can be a pathway to the VCE.

The VPC is designed to develop and extend pathways for students while providing flexibility for different cohorts. The VPC is suitable for students whose previous schooling experience may have been disrupted for a variety of reasons, including students with additional needs, students who have missed significant periods of learning and vulnerable students at risk of disengaging from their education. Students will gain the skills, knowledge, values and capabilities to make informed choices about pathways into a senior secondary qualification, entry-level vocational education and training (VET) course or employment.

The curriculum accommodates student aspirations and future employment goals. VPC learning programs connect students to industry experiences and active participation in the community. Students will have the opportunity to satisfactorily complete 8 out of 12 units over the course of 12 months. Through partial completion of the VPC students will gain the necessary foundation skills to allow them to make the transition to employment, the VCE Vocational Major or other courses. 

Possible future pathways for VPC students include:

• completion of VCE or VCE Vocational Major
• apprenticeships and traineeships
• VET courses
• employment.

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

You must be 16 years old as of the 1st of April in the year of study.

Core Units

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

Class attendance and participation is a critical element of learning and gaining the knowledge and skills required to be assessed as competent. 

Attendance of scheduled classes is expected to be 100%.  If you do not attend at least 80% of the scheduled classes for a unit of competency, you may be ineligible for completion of the unit and your enrolment in the course may be reviewed.

In the event that classes are missed due to illness or other personal reasons, you are expected to inform the teacher of your absence prior to the commencement of the scheduled class.  For extended or frequent non-attendance, you may be requested to provide a medical certificate or other supporting evidence.

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
   Find out more about subsidised training
   
   
2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
   Find out more about concession rates
   
   
3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
   Find out more about Free TAFE
   Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs
   
   
4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

An annual student services fee contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services.

This fee is non-refundable upon commencement of your course. Some students may be exempt from the student service fee. Your fee will be confirmed based on your circumstances when you enrol.

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

1. Apply – Submit your online application form.
2. LLN Assessment – Complete an LLN assessment if required.
3. Chat to our team – Discuss your course and study plan with a teacher or specialist.
4. Enrol – Accept your offer and confirm your details.
5. Pay – Receive your invoice and arrange payment.

Need help? Contact us or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.