VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS)
Our VDSS (VET Delivered to Secondary Schools) program provides hands-on, industry-relevant vocational education to secondary students in high school. Our students graduate work-ready with practical skills and a pathway to professional growth.
What is VDSS?
VDSS enables secondary students to earn a vocational qualification while gaining credit towards their VCE or VCE VM. With 16 programs available, students benefit from on-campus learning with industry professionals in industry-backed training facilities.
Most VDSS programs take two years to complete and follow the Victorian school term dates. Most students will study their VET course at Melbourne Polytechnic on a set day and time. Some schools may engage a Melbourne Polytechnic trainer to deliver the course at the school on a set day and time.
Why Choose VDSS at Melbourne Polytechnic?
Modern TAFE Pathways
Graduates may continue with VET or Higher Education studies, start as an apprentice or trainee, or get straight to work.
VDSS Courses at Melbourne Polytechnic 2025
In 2025 we will offer courses across many study areas and career pathways.
Applications for 2025 are open from Monday 29th July 2024.
| Course | Campus | Schedule |
| Certificate II in Agriculture AHC20122 | Northern Lodge Campus | 8:30am – 3:30pm Wednesday / Friday |
| Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance HLT33021 (partial completion) | Greensborough Campus | 1pm – 4pm Wednesday or 9am –12pm Wednesday |
| Certificate II in Animal Care ACM20121 | Epping Campus | 1pm – 4:30pm Wednesday / Thursday |
| Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121 (partial completion) | Preston Campus | 1pm – 4pm Wednesday or 9am – 12pm Wednesday |
| Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship 22614VIC - Carpentry | Epping Campus | 8:30pm – 4:30pm Wednesday / Thursday |
| Certificate II in Horticulture AHC20416 | Epping Campus | 9am – 4pm Wednesday / Friday |
| Certificate I in Work Education 22566VIC | Preston Campus | 9:30am – 12:30am Wednesday |
| Certificate I in Transition Education 22567VIC | Preston Campus | 9:30am – 12:30am Wednesday |
| Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways MSF20522 | Heidelberg Campus | 1pm – 5pm Wednesday |
| Certificate III in Information Technology ICT30120 (partial completion) | Preston Campus | 12:30pm – 4:30pm Wednesday |
| Certificate III in Business BSB30120 (partial completion) | Epping Campus | 12:30pm – 4:30pm Wednesday |
| Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) 22569VIC | Epping Campus | 8:30am – 4:30pm Wednesday |
| Certificate II in Engineering Studies 22632VIC | Heidelberg Campus | Wednesday |
What next?
Applications for 2025 are open from Monday 29th July 2024.
Students and parents should get in touch with their school's VET Coordinator.
VET Coordinators can sign in to our VDSS portal or contact our team.
Contact UsVDSS Department |
VDSS Frequently Asked Questions
Applications for 2025 are open from Monday 29th July 2024.
Eligible secondary school students should talk with their school's VET Coordinator.
The school submits the application using our secure online school portal.
Once accepted, we will email enrolment procedures to the student and their school.
For access to our dedicated school portal or to book an appointment to talk to a representative from Melbourne Polytechnic, VET Coordinators should call 03 9269 1292 or email vdss@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
Applications for 2025 are open from Monday 29th July 2024.
To apply, eligible secondary school students should talk with their school's VET Coordinator.
The school submits the application using our secure online school portal.
Once accepted, we will email enrolment procedures to the student and their school.
For access to our dedicated school portal or to book an appointment to talk to a representative from Melbourne Polytechnic, VET Coordinators should call 03 9269 1292 or email vdss@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
Students enrol in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) program alongside (or as part of) their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM).
VET programs are approved by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and recognised within Units 1 to 4 at Year 11 and 12.
Some VET programs contribute towards satisfactory completion of the VCE.
Students at least 15 years of age and enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12 are eligible for VDSS.
VET Coordinators use our online portal to monitor student attendance and progress.
For access to our dedicated school portal or to book an appointment to talk to a representative from Melbourne Polytechnic, VET Coordinators should call 03 9269 1292 or email vdss@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
Classes run subject to student numbers. We notify schools as soon as we know if classes are not running.
All fees for VET delivered to secondary students are invoiced directly to schools, usually early in Term 2.
Students have four weeks in which they can choose to withdraw.
We will not directly invoice students or their parents for course-related fees for VDSS.