Vocational Education & Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS)

VDSS at Victoria University

Victorian secondary schools looking to partner with Victoria University, please reach out to our VDSS team at [email protected] .

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VDSS allows secondary students to gain practical skills in a specific industry while undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) including the Vocational Major (VCE VM).

Programs are typically completed over two years and provide students with a qualification or partial completion of a nationally recognised certificate. Our VDSS programs are taught by industry-experienced practitioners in world-class training facilities.

If you are a Victorian student and are interested in one or more of our VDSS programs, please speak to the VET coordinator or careers and pathways leader at your school.

Programs offered in 2025 – course guides

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Allied Health Assistance
The Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance HLT33021 (partial completion) introductory course equips you with knowledge and skills to gain entry to the aged care, disability and other health sectors.
A young woman in a Victoria University uniform applies a customer's make up in a modern, highrise room
Beauty Services
Develop skills and knowledge to work as a beautician and provide a range of beauty services including: nail, lash and brow, tanning and basic make-up services by studying the Certificate III in Beauty Services SHB30121 (partial completion).
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Bricklaying
Lay the foundation for a career in building and construction industries and increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship with the Certificate II in Building & Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Bricklaying) 22614VIC.
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Carpentry
Lay the foundation for a career in building and construction industries and increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship by studying the Certificate II in Building & Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Carpentry) 22614VIC.
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Business Studies
Equip yourself with the introductory skills and knowledge you need to start a career in the business sector with a Certificate III in Business BSB30120.
A young woman in a high-vis workers vest holds a hardhat & phone on a construction site
Civil Construction
Develop the skills that are required as a skilled operator working in civil construction and begin your pathway for an apprenticeship in civil construction by completing the Certificate II in Civil Construction RII20720.
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Cookery
Begin training for a career as a cook or a chef while you complete your secondary school studies. The introductory Certificate II in Cookery SIT20421 equips you with basic knowledge and skills to work in an assisting roles in the kitchen, or progress to a cookery course.
Early Childhood Education & Care
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care CHC30121 (partial completion) will set you on your way to entering an early childhood education career, preparing you to plan activities and provide care for children.
Jacinta Sapwell with VUP teacher.
Electrotechnology
The Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-Vocational) 22499VIC is an electrical pre-apprenticeship that will equip you with the practical skills and foundational knowledge to kickstart your career. It will also give you an insight into the electrical/electronics industry to help you choose your career path.
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Emerging Technologies
During the Certificate III in Emerging Technologies 22589VIC you’ll learn how to develop a career plan for technology and digital futures. You will also have the opportunity to specialise in an emerging stream, such as game design, smart cities, and 3D printing.
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Engineering Studies
During the Certificate II in Engineering Studies 22632VIC, you will be introduced to a range of fundamental skills used in the engineering or manufacturing industry. This hands-on course is a pathway to a full apprenticeship in engineering.
A female student standing outside, looking at the camera. In the background are some brick buildings.
Health Services Assistance
The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance HLT33115 is an introductory course which equips you with knowledge and skills to care for patients in a health care environment.
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Hospitality
Begin training for a career in hospitality while you complete your secondary school studies with the Certificate II in Hospitality SIT20322. This introductory course equips you with basic hospitality knowledge and skills and provides a pathway to work in various hospitality settings, such as restaurants, hotels, pubs, catering operations and cafés.
A smiling young woman wears safety goggles and gloves while working in a large carpentry workshop
Plumbing
Lay the groundwork for an apprenticeship in the plumbing industry, discovering a range of foundational plumbing skills and knowledge, in the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) 22569VIC.

Enrol

To enrol into one of Victoria University's VDSS courses, you must be currently registered with a Victorian secondary school. 

All expressions of interest in our VDSS programs must be made by the secondary schools on your behalf by contacting us. 

If you are a student, and are interested in one or more of our VDSS programs, please speak to the VET coordinator/careers and pathways leader at your school.

Benefits

VDSS programs contribute directly to the VCE/VCE VM and can contribute towards the ATAR score.

Other advantages for students who take part in our program include:

  • gaining industry experience and employability skills
  • creating a pathway to further study (certificate, diploma qualifications) at TAFE
  • opportunities to develop effective relationships with industry employers
  • enhancing knowledge of employer and workplace expectations
  • developing the capacity for teamwork and leadership.

Our strong connections with industry, award-winning learning model, state-of-the-art facilities and specialised course content mean you’ll graduate with real-world experience.

Our class sizes are designed for students to easily get to know their classmates, learn in a variety of ways and receive support from industry-current trainers.

Program details

VDSS programs are run over two years, part time, generally requiring a one day a week commitment over the two school years. To complete a qualification you need to successfully complete all units of competency in the two years.

If you don’t successfully complete all units of competency in the program you will still receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA) which will list the units you have achieved. These can then be used to apply for credit in future studies in the same area or simply add to your employability skills.