When several schools across Melbourne’s North received the Curriculum Collaboration and Access Fund (CCAF), the aim was simple – to strengthen their Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and/or VCE Vocational Major (VM) programs.
The funding created valuable time for teachers to focus on developing curriculum and gave coordinators space to research, plan, and create meaningful learning materials. But many schools soon found it wasn’t as easy as expected.
Because of the funding rules, many schools found they could only spend the money on curriculum development or resource purchases. That sounds fine in theory, but in practice it left little room to upskill staff or build a truly meaningful program.
While the fund was designed to support curriculum growth, schools often struggled to access the right information or expertise to make that happen. With limited guidance on how to design an effective program, many ended up buying generic resources or outdated textbooks just to meet the spending requirements. Most of it didn’t reflect applied learning or the intent of the VM or VPC at all.
And with more and more schools now introducing or strengthening the VPC program, this was a problem.
Why using Skills For Schools matters
This is where Skills For Schools becomes essential. Partnering with an experienced consultant gives schools the clarity and direction they need to make the most of their funding.
Carla Gangi, founder of Skills For Schools and an experienced Applied Learning Consultant, works directly with schools to build staff capability and ensure their programs meet both VCAA requirements, the Pillars of Applied Learning, and is unique to the school. She works together with schools to develop policy, curriculum, and programs that are tailored to schools needs, and that suit the school community.
By using CCAF funding to collaborate with Skills For Schools, teachers gain the tools, templates, and expert guidance to build a quality program that works.
What teachers learn
Through targeted PD and hands-on collaboration, teachers learn how to:
- Understand the VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate) Program
- Decide how to apply the program in their school
- Decipher which students are suitable for VPC
- Unpack and apply the Pillars of Applied Learning
- Properly document curriculum using curriculum and assessment plans
- Design engaging, real-world assessment tasks
- Map key skills and outcomes to the VCAA study design
- Build team consistency and confidence through shared planning
- Create audit-ready evidence and documentation
It’s practical, straightforward, and focused on teacher growth. Teachers walk away with resources, a stronger understanding of how to teach in VPC (and of course VM), and confidence to run high-quality applied learning programs.
Student engagement and outcomes
When the curriculum is built with purpose, students notice. A well-designed VM or VPC program gives students clear direction, connects learning to real experiences, and helps them see value in what they’re doing.
Schools that have worked with Skills For Schools often report stronger student engagement and improved attendance. Tasks are hands-on and relevant, and students can recognise their progress in a way that feels achievable. Teachers also learn how to weave in reflective practice, community connections, and authentic assessment, all of which lift outcomes for applied learners.
When teachers feel confident in what they’re delivering, the classroom energy shifts. Lessons become more purposeful, students take ownership of their learning, and the overall program runs more smoothly. These improvements don’t just support students academically; they strengthen their sense of belonging and pathway readiness.
Turning funding into progress
The CCAF is a great opportunity for schools, but its value depends on how it’s used. Partnering with Skills For Schools ensures the funding leads to real, lasting impact. Instead of buying resources that gather dust, schools can invest in teacher knowledge, collaboration, and a curriculum that works.
It’s a smart use of funding that builds confidence, consistency, and capacity across teams – and that’s what real applied learning success looks like.