Federation TAFE awarded over $700,000 to help regional students explore career pathways
Federation TAFE has received more than $700,000 in funding from the Victorian Department of Education to deliver a major new pilot program helping Year 9 and 10 students in government schools explore vocational education and training (VET) pathways.
As one of only two regional TAFEs selected across the state, Federation TAFE will deliver the Vocational Taster Experiences pilot program to more than 600 students across the Central Highlands, Wimmera Southern Mallee, and Western District regions across 2025 and 2026.
It will give students early, hands-on exposure to different industries and career options, and will be beneficial for students who thrive in hands-on, practical learning environments.
The pilot includes two types of experiences:
- Vocational Explorers – 1–2-day tasters for Year 9 students to explore different industries and career options
- VET Tasters – multi-day programs for Year 10 students covering multiple study areas that offer a deeper look into specific vocational pathways and help students prepare for VET programs in senior school
The pilot aims to boost student engagement by offering learning experiences that align with their interests and career goals.
Students will get to try out careers in areas including healthcare, construction, clean energy, engineering, IT, hospitality, baking, and hair and beauty, using Federation TAFE’s industry-standard facilities in Ballarat and Horsham.
Coordinator of the Vocational Taster Experiences pilot Rebecca Perovic says this program gives students a real chance to discover what they’re passionate about.
“It’s especially powerful for students who thrive in hands-on learning environments. We’re helping them make informed choices about their future and showing them that vocational education is a valuable and exciting pathway. It also supports local workforce needs and makes sure all students, no matter their background, have access to these opportunities.”
The program will equip pre-senior secondary students with the knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about future education and training options, which may be choosing to include VET in their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) or even pursuing a VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM).
A spokesperson from the Department of Education added, “VET can be one of the most rewarding and engaging parts of the VCE, opening many opportunities in exciting industries for young people. We want more students to have the opportunity to explore these options before choosing their VCE pathway.”
Darren Gray, Pro Vice-Chancellor, VET and Pathways and Chief Executive, TAFE, says the pilot connects students with hands-on learning in industries facing skills shortages.
“It’s about giving young people real opportunities to shape their futures while strengthening the communities they live in. We’re proud to be part of a program that transforms lives. The program reflects Federation’s commitment to supporting regional communities and ensuring every student has access to meaningful, hands-on education that prepares them for life beyond school, and we thank the Department of Education for supporting this important work.”
The pilot responds to the Firth Review into vocational and applied learning, which recommended giving students more opportunities to explore career pathways before senior secondary school. It also supports the Department’s goal of embedding vocational learning into the Victorian Curriculum and expanding the use of Trade Training Centres and Tech Schools.
The program officially began in June, with tasters underway and scheduled for the remainder of the year. Federation TAFE invites government schools across the greater Ballarat and Wimmera regions to participate and help shape the future of vocational education for their students.