Students in Orbost and surrounding Far East Gippsland communities are among those benefiting from a new approach to vocational education and training designed to improve local access to senior secondary pathways.
The State Government has confirmed 65 students are currently enrolled in VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) through Orbost Community College under a regional delivery model aimed at addressing barriers linked to distance and access in rural areas.
The model brings training delivery into Orbost, with TAFE Gippsland trainers providing vocational education on-site at the college, rather than requiring students to travel to larger regional centres.
It is intended to support students who previously faced challenges enrolling in VDSS programs due to attendance requirements and geographic isolation.
Students from Orbost Community College and Cann River P–12 College are participating in the program, which allows senior secondary students to undertake vocational training while completing their schooling locally.
Training is currently being delivered across areas including automotive, engineering and cookery, with the model also providing access to a broader range of subjects and pathways into employment.
The initiative brings together education provision across the local area, with Orbost Community College working alongside Orbost North Primary School and Orbost Primary School as part of a consolidated schooling arrangement.
Education authorities say the approach is designed to respond to challenges in rural regions, including limited training providers, small student cohorts and long travel distances.
The Victorian Government says participation is expected to increase in coming years, with additional schools such as Mallacoota P–12 expected to join the program.
Funding support includes a VDSS transport initiative that assists TAFE Gippsland trainers to deliver courses directly in Orbost.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the model aims to improve access to vocational education for regional students.
“Geography should not be a barrier to education,” Mr Carroll said.
“Every student has the right to access a great public education in Victoria.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said the program was improving opportunities for local students.
“Orbost Community College is creating better opportunities for students in Far East Gippsland, giving them the choice to enrol in vocational education and training,” Mr McIntosh said.
