Montague School has a long and successful history of providing vocational programs. Our school was the first school in Victoria to start work experience programs for students.
Montague School continues this work by preparing students for the workforce with a comprehensive transdisciplinary emphasis on postschool employment. Our career education is the carefully planned program of learning experiences. It helps our students to make informed decisions about courses and careers, see the connection between their school, and future careers and gives them skills and knowledge to effectively navigate multiple and complex careers throughout their life.
This program provides a platform for the ongoing development of our students to engage with education, training and work. Within the complex range of learning opportunities career education facilitates the psychosocial aspects of overall development, as students grow from a position of dependence to independence.
Work experience
All students at Montague School will undertake work experience with an employer. Students are placed with employers to observe and learn about the world of work. Organised by the school, work experience placements are usually for one or two weeks. Going on work experience is a great way to find out what working life is like, learn about industry and meet new people.
For more information visit the Department of Education and Training
Structured workplace learning
Structured workplace learning involves students undertaking structured on-the-job training during which they are expected to master a designated set of skills and competencies related to courses accredited by the Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Authority.
Students undertaking VET programs are expected to complete a certain amount of on-the-job training. During this training, students learn important skills related to their course. VPC students also must undertake structured workplace learning as part of their program.
For more information visit the Department of Education and Training
School-based support
In Victoria, the Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs) initiative provides all students aged 15 years or older in government schools with individual plans and support to explore their post-school options.
MIPs aims to help young people to:
- Make a smooth transition from compulsory schooling to further education, training and employment
- Develop skills to manage their career
- Develop their knowledge, understanding and experience of opportunities in education, training and employment.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET courses are recognised at the state and national levels and are offered by TAFE institutes, dual sector institution and private registered training organisations. Most VET courses are developed in consultation with industry. VET qualifications range from certificates to graduate diplomas and cover a wide range of occupations and industries. Some VET courses provide pathways to university.
For further information visit the Victorian Skills Gateway
Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Head Start is a school-based apprenticeship and traineeship model for secondary students which focuses on the flexible delivery of the VPC. Head Start will be available in all government schools from 2023 to support all SBATs regardless of the qualification (Certificate II/ III/IV), as long as the employment represents a genuine, long-term career opportunity.
For more information visit the Department of Education and Training
