DEEP & VCE VM (Y9-12)

Success looks different for every student. Beginning in Year 9, DEEP and the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) provide a four-year pathway that combines classroom learning with vocational education, workplace experiences and industry connections. Throughout Years 9 to 12, students develop practical skills, recognised qualifications and the confidence to pursue apprenticeships, further study or employment after school.

DEEP & VCE VM Points of Difference

Every student has different strengths, interests and aspirations. DEEP and the VCE Vocational Major provide a practical pathway that combines applied learning with industry experience, helping students develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to succeed beyond school.

Applied Learning

Learning is practical, purposeful and connected to real workplaces. Students build knowledge through projects, vocational learning, workplace experiences and hands-on activities that develop confidence while preparing them for future careers.

Four-Year Pathway

Beginning in Year 9, students explore career interests through vocational education, industry experiences and workplace learning before progressing into the VCE Vocational Major. Every stage of the pathway is designed to prepare students for success after school.

Future Focused

Students graduate with the VCE Vocational Major alongside nationally recognised VET qualifications, practical workplace experience and a clear pathway into apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE, employment or further study. Dedicated careers guidance supports students as they plan for life after school.

Dedicated VCE VM Support

Students in the DEEP and VCE Vocational Major pathway are supported by a dedicated Student Services Coordinator who works closely with students, families and teachers throughout Years 9 to 12.

Through regular guidance, wellbeing support and career planning, every student receives personalised encouragement to remain engaged, develop confidence and achieve their individual goals. As students progress through the pathway, support extends to vocational education, structured workplace learning and planning for life beyond school.

A Pathway for Practical Learners

Every student learns differently. DEEP and the VCE Vocational Major are designed for students who thrive through practical experiences and applied learning. The pathway suits students who enjoy learning by doing, want to explore vocational careers and benefit from connecting classroom learning with real workplaces.

Beginning in Year 9, students progressively build the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to transition into the VCE Vocational Major before pursuing apprenticeships, TAFE, employment or further study.

The DEEP & VCE VM Pathway

Beginning in Year 9, students follow a four-year applied learning pathway that gradually develops vocational knowledge, workplace experience and industry skills. Each stage prepares students for the next, allowing them to build confidence, explore career interests and develop practical skills before completing the VCE Vocational Major.

Year 9 DEEP

Weekly VET experiences introduce students to industries including hospitality, small business, early childhood education and the trades while strengthening literacy, numeracy and personal development.

Year 10 DEEP

Students begin selected VCE Vocational Major Units 1 and 2 subjects while participating in weekly workplace learning at Islamic College of Melbourne, preparing them for senior secondary applied learning.

Year 11-12 VCE VM

Students complete the VCE Vocational Major alongside VET studies, structured workplace learning and careers planning before transitioning into apprenticeships, employment or further study.

DEEP (Years 9-10)

DEEP is the first stage of ICOM's four-year applied learning pathway, giving students an earlier introduction to vocational education than traditional senior secondary pathways. Across Years 9 and 10, students develop practical skills, strengthen their literacy and numeracy, and begin exploring future careers through hands-on learning and industry experiences.

Year 9

Year 9 students participate in weekly VET programs that introduce them to a range of industries, including hospitality, small business, early childhood education and the trades. These experiences help students explore their interests while developing practical skills and gaining insight into future career pathways.

Year 10

Building on the experiences of Year 9, students commence selected VCE Vocational Major Units 1 and 2 subjects while participating in weekly workplace learning at Islamic College of Melbourne. This combination of applied learning and workplace experience prepares students for a successful transition into the VCE Vocational Major in Years 11 and 12.

VCE VM (Years 11-12)

The VCE Vocational Major builds on the foundations established through DEEP, combining classroom learning with vocational education, structured workplace learning and industry experience. Throughout Years 11 and 12, students continue developing literacy, numeracy, personal development and work-related skills while completing nationally recognised VET qualifications aligned with their interests and career goals. Supported by careers guidance and workplace learning, students graduate with practical experience, recognised qualifications and clear pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE, employment or further study.

Year 11 VCE VM

Year 11 students commence the VCE Vocational Major through applied classroom learning, nationally recognised VET studies and structured workplace learning. Students continue developing literacy, numeracy, personal development and work-related skills while gaining practical industry experience that supports their future career pathways.

Year 12 VCE VM

Year 12 focuses on preparing students for life beyond school through continued workplace learning, careers guidance and the completion of nationally recognised VET qualifications. Students graduate with practical experience, industry-relevant skills and clear pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE, employment or further study.

VET & Workplace Learning

Vocational Education and Training (VET) allows students to complete nationally recognised qualifications while studying the VCE Vocational Major. Alongside their VET studies, students participate in structured workplace learning, applying their skills in authentic workplace settings while gaining valuable industry experience. Working alongside industry professionals helps students develop confidence, understand workplace expectations and strengthen their employability before progressing into apprenticeships, further study or employment.

Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

Certificate II in Building & Construction (Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Civil Construction

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)

Certificate III in Emerging Technologies

Certificate II in Engineering Studies

Certificate II in Hospitality

Certificate II in Plumbing

Certificate III in Beauty Services

Pathways Beyond School

Graduates of the DEEP and VCE Vocational Major pathway leave Islamic College of Melbourne with practical experience, nationally recognised vocational qualifications and the confidence to take the next step in their education or career.

Many students progress into apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE, employment or further study, supported by the knowledge, workplace experience and careers guidance developed throughout the pathway.

Students with sporting aspirations can also continue developing their athletic potential through the ICOM Sports Academy while completing their DEEP or VCE Vocational Major studies.

VCE VM Resources

Access the key resources that support students and families throughout the VCE Vocational Major. Here you'll find the VCE VM Handbook, policies, workplace learning information, assessment resources and career planning tools to support your pathway through Years 11 and 12.

VCE VM Student Handbook

Student CareerTools Portal

Secondary Enrolments & College Tours

Enrolments & College Tours

Every student deserves a pathway that matches their strengths, interests and aspirations. Visit Islamic College of Melbourne to explore the DEEP and VCE Vocational Major pathway, meet our dedicated staff and discover how applied learning, vocational education and personalised support prepare students for success beyond school. If you’re considering a change of school, our team is here to support a smooth transition at every stage of the pathway.

Book a College Tour or learn more about Enrolment today.