Our aspiration is that every Victorian secondary student completes school ready for their next stage of learning or work.
The 2026-27 State Budget invested $144.7 million to support career education and pathways, building on $775 million invested since 2018.
We are shaping a secondary school system where more students:
These initiatives act on recommendations in the Review into vocational and applied learning pathways in senior secondary schooling (Firth review).
You will join an established, place-based workforce working across Victoria to deliver on this aspiration, connecting young people with high-quality vocational education, training and employment pathways.
The Jobs, Skills and Pathways workforce plays an important role in embedding and strengthening these key initiatives, helping ensure vocational and applied learning opportunities are an enduring part of the secondary school experience for young Victorians.
To learn more about the importance of senior secondary pathways, visit Senior Secondary Pathways Reform.
Head Start
The Head Start program supports Victorian secondary school students to commence and succeed in a school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT). SBATs allow students to pursue career goals and complete secondary school whilst developing the skills, capabilities and confidence that employers in growth industries need. The number of students completing an SBAT has more than quadrupled since 2020. In 2025 more than 1500 students completed a Head Start supported SBAT. Funding in the Victorian Budget 2026-27 will continue delivery of Head Start in the 2027, 2028 and 2029.
School VCE VET
Vocational Education builds job-ready skills in young Victorians, boosting confidence through hands-on learning and providing clear pathways into real work. In Victoria the number of VET enrolments has increased every year since 2020. In 2025 more that 60 thousand students participated in a VET certificate. Funding in the Victoria Budget 2026-2027 will continue to support schools to provide access to VET certificates across in-demand industries.
Working with young Victorias is purposeful, varied and fulfilling.
You’ll work alongside schools, industry, training providers and local partners to support the delivery of Head Start or School VCE VET, helping schools to provide and maintain access to high-quality vocational learning and workplace opportunities that respond to local needs.
There are many benefits to joining the Jobs, Skills and Pathways workforce, including:
Head Start Coordinator
Coordinates Head Start engagement across schools, matching students with suitable employers from identified opportunities and supporting Student Support staff to navigate students’ learning arrangements.
Head Start Student Support Staff
Supports students throughout their SBAT journey, helping them navigate their school, training and employment requirements and stay on track.
VET Cluster Coordinator
Coordinates the day-to-day operation and performance of the VET Cluster, including implementing Department policy and guidance, supports school-based staff and oversees local VET transport requirements.
VET Transport Administrator
Provides regional administrative support for VET transport, processing funding requests and invoices, managing transport queries and supporting consistent practice across the state.
Locations: Roles will be available across all 17 Department of Education areas.
More information about roles and responsibilities is available in the position descriptions.
The Jobs, Skills and Pathways workforce brings together people with a range of professional backgrounds, skills and experience.
We’re looking for people who can bring their expertise to supporting Head Start and VET Delivered to School Students. This may include people with experience in:
We’re looking for people who are:
The skills and experience required will vary across the four Jobs, Skills and Pathways roles.
Each Jobs, Skills and Pathways role has different requirements depending on its responsibilities and level.
You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the position description for the role you’re applying for and complete the Department of Education’s required pre-employment checks.
There are many benefits to working in the Department of Education such as:
You can search for and apply for available roles advertised on Careers Victoria.
Roles will be advertised from late August with projected starting times as follows:
If you have any questions about the roles or how to apply, please email John Morison, Manager, Operations, Senior Secondary Pathways Reform at [email protected]