Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) – Years 10-12
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) has been designed by the Victorian Department of Education to support students with disabilities through a comprehensive and tailored program. This certificate provides students with multiple pathways to achieve their post-school goals and aspirations.
The VPC is an applied learning qualification that focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge through real-world experiences. Students learn by actively engaging in hands-on activities, connecting classroom learning to everyday situations and workplace contexts. This approach allows for personalised and flexible learning, with teachers working alongside students to identify and build upon their strengths, interests, aspirations, and lived experiences.
From 2026, all students at Armstrong Creek School will work through the VPC. While the program uses a similar hands-on, student-centred approach as ASDAN (which was previously offered along with VPC), the VPC is a formally recognised secondary pathway certificate in Victoria. This provides students with an accredited qualification that is acknowledged by employers, training providers, and educational institutions across the state.
For more information about the Victorian Pathways Certificate, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/about-the-victorian-pathways-certificate
About the VPC:
The VPC is an accredited foundation secondary qualification under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) and is aligned to Level 1 in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). As the VPC is not a senior secondary qualification like VCE or VCE VM, it is designed to provide graduates with the foundation for broadening their pathways for post-school.
VPC Subject Options:
Students complete 12 or more units, including at least:
• 2 VPC Literacy units
• 2 VPC Numeracy units
• 2 VPC Work-Related Skills units
• 2 VPC Personal Development Skills units
The remaining four units can come from other VPC units or from a VET Certificate I or above subject. Armstrong Creek School also offers the new units recently released by the Department of Education and Training, including Food Studies, Digital Studies, and Arts and Design.
Program Structure at Armstrong Creek School:
From Year 10, students at Armstrong Creek School will complete the VPC program over three years. The VPC is flexible—units can be completed in any order and any year, and students can work at their own pace.
For students entering Year 11 who have not completed VPC units in Year 10, this is absolutely fine. The flexible nature of the VPC means students can commence their learning journey at any point and will still be able to complete their qualification successfully. Teachers will work with each student to develop a program that meets their needs and goals.
At Armstrong Creek School, a VPC learning program includes:
• VPC units delivered through hands-on, practical learning experiences
• School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) at Certificate II level for Year 11/12 students
• Work experience opportunities
Where the VPC Can Take You:
The VPC will help students prepare for:
• VCE and VCE VM
• Entry-level VET at TAFE
• Employment in the workforce
• An apprenticeship or traineeship
What Students Receive:
When students finish their VPC studies, they graduate with a Victorian Pathways Certificate and receive:
• A Statement of Results / Attainment from the VCAA
• A Statement of Attainment from the Certificate II provider (if applicable)
The Victorian Pathways Certificate provides students with a recognised qualification and a solid foundation for their chosen post-school pathway.