The Victorian government has launched a new regional model to make vocational education and training (VET) more accessible for students in Far East Gippsland, allowing them to complete courses locally while attending school.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said 65 students are now enrolled in the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) program at Orbost Community College, with more expected to join in 2027.
The initiative addresses challenges in rural areas, including geographical isolation, small cohorts and limited training providers. By bringing Orbost Secondary College, Orbost North Primary School, and Orbost Primary School together under one model, students can access courses from TAFE Gippsland trainers on-site, rather than having to travel to distant locations.
Training programs currently offered include Automotive, Engineering, and Cookery, with pathways designed to improve senior secondary completion rates and employment opportunities. Students from Cann River P-12 College are already participating, and schools such as Mallacoota P-12 are expected to join.
“Labor has real solutions for students in the regions, making vocational education more accessible,” said Carroll.
“Geography shouldn’t be a barrier to education – every student has the right to attend a great public school in Victoria.”
Tom McIntosh added that Orbost Community College is “creating better opportunities for students in Far East Gippsland, giving them the choice to enrol in vocational education and training.”
The VDSS Transport Fund also supports trainers’ travel from TAFE Gippsland to Orbost, ensuring consistent delivery of courses, while the government’s $8.5 million 2025 investment helped establish Orbost Community College as a regional hub for vocational education.
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