- Published:
- Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 4:07 pm
Every child, no matter their postcode has the right to a world-class education at a Victorian public school.
That’s why the Allan Labor Government is making vocational education and training more accessible for students in Far East Gippsland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced that 65 students are enrolled in VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) at Orbost Community College thanks to a new regional delivery model.
Some students were prevented from enrolling in a VDSS because they could not meet attendance requirements.
Now, students learn in one location, so TAFE Gippsland trainers can teach from Orbost Community College.
It brings Orbost Secondary College, Orbost North Primary School, and Orbost Primary School into one school.
Students from Cann River P-12 College and Orbost Community College are already participating.
The model responds to geographical isolation, limited training providers and small cohorts in rural schools.
Now, students can access vocational training locally while completing their senior secondary education.
Students can also choose from more subjects and have better pathways into employment.
Training programs offered include Automotive, Engineering and Cookery.
The program supports stronger completion rates in senior secondary programs.
In 2025 Labor invested $8.5 million to form Orbost Community College.
Labor’s VDSS Transport Fund also supports trainers from TAFE Gippsland to travel to Orbost to deliver training.
Enrolments are expected to grow further in 2027, with participation from more schools like Mallacoota P-12.
Only Labor is backing students in the regions.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“Labor has real solutions for students in the regions, making vocational education more accessible.”
“Geography shouldn’t be a barrier to education – because very student has the right to attend great public school in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“Orbost Community College is creating better opportunities for students in Far East Gippsland, giving them the choice to enroll in vocational education and training.”