Welcome to the
Sunbury Macedon Ranges
VET Cluster
Build Your Skills | Shape Your Future
About
Formed in 2025, the Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster (SMRVC) is a partnership of ten government, independent, and Catholic secondary schools working together to expand Vocational Education and Training (VET) opportunities across the region.
These 10 schools include: (maybe put in school banner here???)
- Alice Miller
- Braemar College
- Castlemaine Secondary College
- Gisborne Secondary College
- Kyneton High School
- Sacred Heart College
- Salesian College
- Sunbury College
- Sunbury Downs College
- Sunbury Macedon Ranges Specialist School (SMRSS)
Through this collaboration, students are able to gain access to a broader range of VET programs, closer to home that align with local industry needs, their personal interests, and future career aspirations.
Access to this wide variety of courses is made possible by the strong cooperation between member schools, supported by effective systems, clear communication, and a shared commitment from school Principals, VET Coordinators, LLEN’s and the Cluster Coordinator. Together, they continuously work to improve processes and enhance student outcomes.
Each school has a dedicated VET Coordinator who supports students in selecting a suitable course, navigating the enrolment process, arranging Structured Workplace Learning, and providing ongoing support throughout their VET program. VET Coordinators from both Home and Host schools collaborate closely, following established timelines and protocols to ensure a smooth and supported experience for all students.
The SMRVC partners with TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver high-quality training through the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) model. In addition, the Cluster works closely with the Central Ranges LLEN and Hume Whittlesea LLEN, along with local employers and industry, to provide meaningful workplace learning and real-world experiences.
These partnerships ensure that students benefit from hands-on training, structured work placements, and connections with industry that support successful course completion and transition into further education or employment.
While the Cluster primarily supports students from within its member schools, enrolments are also welcomed from neighbouring regions.
Cluster Vision
The Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster vision is for schools to work collaboratively to ensure students in the Cluster have reasonable access to the core offering of VDSS, including options with the most appropriate provider.
Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster Priorities:
- Establish a shared vision for ensuring students have reasonable access to high quality VDSS
- Support collaboration between stakeholders and across school sectors
- Facilitate shared provision of VDSS between member schools
- Coordinate delivery access to VDSS
- Streamline the administrative requirements of VDSS for member schools
- Address access barriers to VDSS
- Work strategically to respond to student demand and place-based needs to increase access/offering
- Build working relationships with key industry representatives to prioritise provision to reflect local community and regional industry needs
- Facilitate improved practice in the coordination and delivery of VDSS
- Advocate for the needs of all students within the Cluster
- Advocate for transport solutions to provide greater access to VDSS provision
- Build Cluster capacity to meet future VET demand through workforce initiatives, professional learning, Communities of Practice, and facilities and resources
Cluster: Future Development
Supporting Collaboration and Growth in VET
While SMRVC schools have previously partnered to host students in VET courses, the formal establishment of the Cluster in 2025 has strengthened collaboration across all member schools.
VET Coordinators now meet regularly throughout the year to share course offerings, discuss student interests, explore challenges, and identify opportunities to share resources, such as trainers, facilities, and align timetables. This collective approach supports the development of new VET programs that better meet student and industry needs.
The Cluster also ensures VET Coordinators receive professional development, and the support needed to fulfil their vital roles effectively. Even when certain VET courses cannot be delivered within the Cluster, this coordinated network allows schools to work together and engage with TAFEs and other RTOs to find the best solutions for students.
As a Cluster, we look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships, enhance local training options, and respond to emerging skills needs, ensuring students have clear, supported pathways into further study, training, and employment.
Acknowledgement to Bendigo Community Bank
The Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster sincerely thanks the Bendigo Community Bank branches of Gisborne & District and Lancefield & Romsey for their generous grant funding. Their support has enabled the development of this dedicated SMRVC website and Handbook—valuable resources for schools, students, families, RTOs, employers, industry, and the broader community. The website aims to become a central hub for VET course information within the Cluster and to highlight the positive impact of vocational education on student growth and career development.