Industrial Contexts and Forces of Education

The majority of education taught and delivered in Australian schools is subject based such as maths, science and English. This is the traditional methodology of teaching, however, there is also the implementation of industry-oriented education available for students who are disengaged from school, in order to prepare them for work in the real world. The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is an alternative option for VCE students, which offers work related experience and learning and is still an accredited secondary certificate.

With an increased importance placed on education, school life can have a significant impact on forming a person’s identity and preparing them for adulthood. The traditional schooling methods are not for everyone though; and this can lead to school leavers and students being disengaged with their school life. The development of VCAL, which came into place in 2002 and is now offered in more than 430 secondary schools in Victoria, has provided an industry-oriented approach to education for students who are disengaged from school but are keen to enter the world of work.

It is also common now that trade related industries want workers to have completed their secondary education and this is becoming an increasing requirement in current times. This means that programs such as VCAL are essential in education to help our students gain jobs outside of school life.

If we did not have programs such as VCAL available in our education system this would cause social and educational consequences that work to cement disadvantage instead of our education system providing advantage and life chances to students. (Bentley. I, 2012, p160)

REFERENCES

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vcal/index.aspx?&Redirect=1 accessed 1/10/12

Bentley. I, “EDU4CCE Changing Contexts in Education 2E,” Cengage Learning Australia Pty Ltd, 2012.