Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster
Build skills. Discover careers. Shape futures.
Connecting schools, students and industry across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.
The Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster (SMRVC) is a partnership of ten Government, Catholic and Independent secondary schools working together to expand Vocational Education and Training (VET) opportunities for local students.
Through shared programs, industry partnerships and workplace learning, students can explore real career pathways while still completing their secondary education.
What is SMRVC
The SMRVC is a collaborative network of schools that allows students to access more courses than any one school can offer on its own.
By working with TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs), the Department of Education and local employers, the Cluster delivers industry-aligned training that prepares students for life after school.
Programs form part of the VCE, VCE-VM and VPC and follow Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) standards.
Why VET
Try a career early
Through VET programs, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn practical skills, and explore real industries before finishing school.
Nationally recognised qualification
Students complete study units and develop industry-relevant skills that contribute towards a nationally recognised VET qualification
Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) allows students to apply the skills they have learned in training, experience a real workplace, and develop valuable employability skills
Pathways beyond school
VET courses can support pathways into further study, apprenticeships, traineeships, or employment. It may also help students better understand their passions.
How VET works
Explore and Choose:
Students explore different VET options and choose a course, usually during Year 10, with guidance from their school’s VET or Careers Coordinator.
Start Your Training:
Students typically complete their VET course during Years 11–12 at a host school, TAFE or training provider while remaining enrolled at their home school. Some students may commence in Year 10, depending on the school and VET course selected.
Ongoing Support:
Throughout the program, students are supported by a dedicated VET Coordinator who helps with course selection, enrolment, workplace learning and any questions along the way.
More Opportunities Through the Cluster:
Schools in the Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster work together by sharing facilities, trainers and timetables, giving students access to a wider range of VET programs across the region.
Industry connect learning
Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster works closely with local industry and training providers to ensure programs reflect real workforce needs.
Students complete nationally recognised training and gain practical experience valued by employers, helping them confidently move into employment, apprenticeships, traineeships or further education.
Cluster Vision
The Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster vision is for schools to work collaboratively to ensure students in the Cluster have reasonable access to the core offering of VDSS, including options with the most appropriate provider.
Cluster Priorities
The SMRVC works collaboratively to:
-
Expand access to VET programs for students across the Cluster
-
Reduce barriers to participation, including transport
-
Coordinate and share VET delivery across member schools
-
Support schools and VET Coordinators
-
Align training opportunities with local industry and workforce needs
-
Strengthen student pathways and future career opportunities
Acknowledgement to
Bendigo Community Bank
The Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster sincerely thanks the Bendigo Community Bank branches of Gisborne & District and Lancefield & Romsey for their generous grant. Their support has enabled the development of this dedicated SMRVC website and Handbook—valuable resources for schools, students, families, employers, industry, and the broader community. The website aims to become a resource for VET course information within the Cluster and to highlight the positive impact of vocational education on student growth and career development.