VCAL Work Related Skills Unit – Summary of Learning Outcomes
Learning
Outcome
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Foundation Unit 1
Foundation Unit 2
Intermediate Unit 1
Intermediate Unit 2
Senior Unit 1
Research information
about the career
pathways, functions and
layout of a specific
industry or workplace.
Communicate ideas and
Information about OH&S
requirements for a work
environment.
Assist in the Hazard
Identification Risk
Assessment and Control
Planning Process to meet
OH&S requirements in a
work related context.
Develop an OH&S plan for
a work environment that
addresses at least
five OH&S issues.
Work with others and in
teams in a work
environment in
accordance with defined
workplace
procedures.
Use information and
communications
technology in relation to a
complex work related
activity.
Use technology in
accordance with OH&S
guidelines in a work
related context.
Learn about a selected
workplace or industry
setting.
Prepare for a simple work
related activity.
Learn about basic
conditions and
entitlements of a specific
industry.
Learn to analyse and
organize information for a
work related goal.
Communicate the major
features of OH&S in a
workplace context.
Communicate basic work
related ideas and
information.
Communicate
information and ideas for
a work related goal.
Plan, organize and
manage a simple work
related activity that
complies with OH&S
guidelines.
Plan, organize and
manage a basic work
related activity
Obtain and communicate
information in response to
a work related OH&S
issue.
Develop knowledge and
understanding of OH&S in
a work related context.
Identify OH&S problems
that may arise in the
workplace.
Identify and solve a
problem relevant to a
simple work related
activity.
Work in a team to
complete a simple work
related activity.
Identify problems or
safety hazards that can
affect the safety of the
work environment.
Contribute to team
objectives to achieve safe
work procedures.
Identify and solve
problems for a work
related purpose.
Use information and
communications
technology in relation to a
simple work related
activity.
Use information and
communications
technology in relation to a
work related activity.
Use information and
communications
technology in relation to a
work related activity.
Work in a team to
complete a safe work
procedure for a simple
work related activity.
Use information and
communications
technology in relation to a
simple work related
activity.
Plan, organise and
manage activities for a
work related goal.
Work with others and in
teams to achieve a work
related goal.
Senior Unit 2
Collect, analyse and
evaluate information in a
work environment.
Communicate ideas and
information in a work
environment.
Plan, organize and
manage activities in a
work environment,
Incorporating quality
assurance processes.
Identify and solve
problems in a work
environment.
Work with others and in
teams in a work
environment.
Use information and
communications
technology in relation to a
complex work related
activity.
Identify, apply and
evaluate technology in a
work environment.
Show enterprise and
Identify opportunities in
work processes.
WORK RELATED SKILLS FOUNDATION UNIT 1
Unit purpose
The purpose of this unit is to focus on the development of appropriate skills and knowledge in order to
provide the necessary OH&S preparation for the workplace.
Content summary
The Work Related Skills units have been developed to recognise learning that may not normally be
recognised within other qualifications, which is valued within community and work environments as
preparation for employment. Locally developed programs that use different social and work contexts to
develop interests and employability skills and an understanding of OH&S can be selected for inclusion in
this Work Related Skills unit.
Learning outcome 1
Learn about a selected workplace or industry setting.
Elements
1.1 research information about a selected workplace or industry area using three different information
sources
1.2 identify different employment opportunities available within the selected workplace or industry
1.3 describe career prospects in the selected workplace or industry
1.4 describe a career pathway within the selected workplace or industry including appropriate skills,
attributes and/or qualification requirements.
Learning outcome 2
Communicate the major features of OH&S in a workplace context.
Elements
2.1 identify OH&S information and signs and symbols used in a work environment
2.2 describe OH&S procedures in a workplace context including an emergency procedure and strategies
to prevent manual handling injuries
2.3 identify workplace personnel with specific OH&S responsibilities
2.4 describe employer, employee or volunteer legal OH&S rights and obligations in a workplace context.
Learning outcome 3
Plan, organise and manage a simple work related activity that complies with OH&S guidelines.
Elements
3.1 note and describe potential safety hazards for a given activity, specific regulatory requirements and
existing safe work practices
3.2 follow safe operating practices for a given activity
3.3 describe appropriate hazard control measures for the tasks
3.4 organise and manage a given activity that complies with OH&S guidelines
3.5 complete a review process.
Learning outcome 4
Identify OH&S problems that may arise in the workplace.
Elements
4.1 identify the importance of OH&S information provided to employees/workers in the workplace
4.2 identify and describe a simple work related problem concerning OH&S guidelines
4.3 identify and describe possible solutions
4.4 show initiative in describing the process undertaken to solve the problem to a relevant supervisor.
Learning outcome 5
Work in a team to complete a safe work procedure for a simple work related activity.
Elements
5.1 work in a team to plan a safe procedure for a simple work related activity
5.2 discuss the benefits of team work in developing and implementing safe work procedures
5.3 identify different workplace roles and levels of responsibility in relation to an OH&S procedure
5.4 work with others including the supervisor to achieve objectives within agreed timeframes
5.5 review completed activity to ensure planned outcomes have been achieved.
Learning outcome 6
Use information and communications technology in relation to a simple work related activity.
Elements
6.1 identify what information and communications technology is required for a given activity
6.2 use appropriate information and communications technology
6.3 review the use of information and communications technology in the activity.
WORK RELATED SKILLS FOUNDATION UNIT 2
Unit purpose
This unit provides a focus for the development of work related and pre-vocational skills in the context of
practical work related experiences, through:
 integrating new learning about work skills with prior knowledge and experiences
 enhancing the development of employability skills through work related contexts
 developing basic critical thinking skills that apply to problem solving in work situations
 developing basic planning and work related organisational skills
 developing transferable skills for work related contexts.
Learning outcome 1
Prepare for a simple work related activity.
Elements
1.1 follow task guidelines for the collection, analysis, and organisation of information about a simple
work activity
1.2 organise and record information from appropriate sources
1.3 check information for completeness and accuracy.
Learning outcome 2
Communicate basic work related ideas and information.
Elements
2.1 identify basic forms of communication appropriate to work
2.2 communicate clearly so that information is understood
2.3 check the information for accuracy.
Learning outcome 3
Plan, organise and manage a basic work related activity.
Elements
3.1 establish steps for a given activity
3.2 organise and manage a given activity
3.3 review activity ensuring that instructions have been followed.
Learning outcome 4
Identify and solve a problem relevant to a simple work related activity.
Elements
4.1 identify a simple work related problem and consider how it can be solved
4.2 show initiative in the problem-solving activity
4.3 check whether the problem has been solved
4.4 identify how technology can assist in solving a work related problem.
Learning outcome 5
Work in a team to complete a simple work related activity.
Elements
5.1 work in a team to plan, organise and carry out a simple work related activity
5.2 discuss the benefits of working in a team
5.3 identify different workplace roles within a team
5.4 work with others to achieve objectives within agreed timeframes
5.5 undertake a review of team activity.
Learning outcome 6
Use information and communications technology in relation to a simple work related activity.
Elements
6.1 identify what information and communications technology is required for a given activity
6.2 use appropriate information and communications technology
6.3 review the use of information and communications technology in the activity.
WORK RELATED SKILLS INTERMEDIATE UNIT 1
Unit purpose
The purpose of this unit is to provide a focus for more complex development of appropriate skills and
knowledge in order to provide the necessary OH&S preparation for the workplace.
Content summary
The Work Related Skills units have been developed to recognise learning that may not normally be
recognised within other qualifications, which is valued within community and work environments as
preparation for employment. Locally developed programs that use different social and work contexts to
develop interests and employability skills can be selected for inclusion in the Work Related Skills units.
Learning outcome 1
Learn about basic conditions and entitlements of a specific industry.
Elements
1.1 research wage entitlements for an entry level position
1.2 describe basic workplace conditions and employee entitlements
1.3 describe the role of workplace agreements
1.4 investigate grievance procedures within a workplace setting
1.5 describe the role of organisations representing workers in the workplace.
Learning outcome 2
Obtain and communicate information in response to a work related OH&S issue.
Elements
2.1 research information for a work related OH&S issue
2.2 discuss the findings of the OH&S research
2.3 communicate the results of the OH&S findings
2.4 undertake a review process.
Learning outcome 3
Develop knowledge and understanding of OH&S in a work related context.
Elements
3.1 research employee rights and responsibilities regarding OH&S
3.2 identify correct processes for raising OH&S issues
3.3 establish a personal safety plan to ensure safe operating procedures are followed
3.4 investigate ways to improve work processes to achieve OH&S principles.
Learning outcome 4
Identify problems or safety hazards that can affect the safety of the work environment.
Elements
4.1 identify potential problems or safety hazards
4.2 communicate OH&S information relevant for hazard identification and risk assessment clearly and
precisely
4.3 determine possible options to ensure OH&S risks are controlled and procedures are understood and
followed
4.4 analyse the consequences on self, working environment and community if OH&S procedures are not
followed.
Learning outcome 5
Contribute to team objectives to achieve safe work procedures.
Elements
5.1 identify safe work procedures and tasks required by the team to achieve agreed objectives
5.2 negotiate work tasks and roles to ensure safe work procedures within the team
5.3 work with others to achieve safe work procedures
5.4 undertake a review process.
Learning outcome 6
Use information and communications technology in relation to a work related activity.
Elements
6.1 identify what information and communications technology is required for a given activity
6.2 use appropriate information and communications technology
6.3 review the use of information and communications technology in the activity.
WORK RELATED SKILLS INTERMEDIATE UNIT 2
Unit purpose
This unit provides a focus for more complex development of work related and pre-vocational skills in a
context appropriate to the task through:
 integrating more complex learning about work related skills with prior knowledge and experiences
 enhancing the development of employability skills at a more complex level in relevant workrelated contexts
 developing more complex critical thinking skills that can be applied to work related problem
solving situations
 developing more complex work related planning and organisational skills that incorporate
evaluation and review
 developing more complex work related skills, which can be transferred to other work contexts.
Learning outcomes
Students must show competence in all six learning outcomes.
Context of the learning outcomes
At Intermediate level, a ‘work related goal’ involves work undertaken at Certificate I/II level conducted
under supervision and reasonably autonomous in regard to planning and work activities.
In this unit there is a focus on the development of knowledge regarding OH&S in the workplace.
Learning outcome 1
Learn to analyse and organise information for a work related goal.
Elements
1.1 learn what information is required for the work related goal
1.2 access and record information from a variety of work related sources
1.3 organise information relevant to the work related goal
1.4 analyse information for relevance, accuracy and currency.
Learning outcome 2
Communicate information and ideas for a work related goal.
Elements
2.1 research a range of communication methods
2.2 use communication methods to convey a range of work related ideas and information
2.2 adapt ideas and information to a work related goal
2.3 undertake a review process incorporating feedback.
Learning outcome 3
Plan, organise and manage activities for a work related goal.
Elements
3.1 undertake planning for a work related goal
3.2 demonstrate self-management skills in the process of achieving a work related goal
3.3 organise and manage priorities for a work related goal
3.4 evaluate own performance related to achieving a work related goal.
Learning outcome 4
Identify and solve problems for a work related purpose.
Elements
4.1 identify a problem associated with a work related outcome or process
4.2 apply appropriate processes to solve a work related problem
4.3 show initiative in presenting solutions to relevant supervisor.
Learning outcome 5
Work with others and in teams to achieve a work related goal.
Elements
5.1 identify individual and team roles and responsibilities to achieve a work related goal
5.2 manage individual work procedures taking into account different team roles and responsibilities
5.3 work with others to complete a work related goal
5.4 review completed activity to ensure the work related goal has been achieved.
Learning outcome 6
Use information and communications technology in relation to a work related activity.
Elements
6.1 identify what information and communications technology is required for a given activity
6.2 use appropriate information and communications technology
6.3 review the use of information and communications technology in the activity.
WORK RELATED SKILLS SENIOR UNIT 1
Unit purpose
The purpose of this unit is to provide a focus for complex development of appropriate skills and
knowledge in order to provide the necessary OH&S preparation for the workplace.
Content summary
The Work Related Skills units have been developed to recognise learning that may not normally be
recognised within other qualifications, which is valued within community and work environments as
preparation for employment. Locally developed programs that use different social and work contexts to
develop interests and employability skills can be selected for inclusion in the Work Related Skills units.
Content will be selected for the achievement of the learning outcomes by the school or educational
provider. VCAL programs may include content from accredited and non-accredited curriculum. Teachers
must ensure that these programs meet the learning outcomes of the Work Related Skills units.
Learning outcomes
Students must show competence in all seven learning outcomes.
Context of the learning outcomes
At Senior level, ‘work environment’ involves work undertaken at Certificate II/III level conducted under
supervision and autonomous in regard to planning and work activities.
In this unit there is a strong focus on the development of knowledge regarding OH&S in the workplace.
Learning outcome 1
Research information about the career pathways, functions and layout of a specific industry or
workplace.
Elements
1.1 identify the purpose of the industry and the products or services
1.2 identify the customers of the industry
1.3 describe the reasons for the workplace layout and suggest changes where appropriate
1.4 outline the processes involved in developing products or services
1.5 describe the career pathways in the workplace or industry.
Learning outcome 2
Communicate ideas and information about OH&S requirements for a work environment.
Elements
2.1 select and use appropriate forms of communications to convey OH&S information in the work
environment
2.2 evaluate communication methods, incorporating feedback
2.3 adapt information in response to feedback
Learning outcome 3
Assist in the Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Control Planning Process to meet OH&S
requirements in a work related context.
Elements
3.1 identify workplace procedures for hazards identification and risk assessment
3.2 describe workplace instructions and Safe Operating Procedures for controlling risks when planning
and organising a work related activity
3.3 convey current procedures to be followed in case of emergency.
Learning outcome 4
Develop an OH&S plan for a work environment that addresses at least five OH&S issues.
Elements
4.1 review and improve the OH&S risk control plan for a work environment
4.2 describe potential OH&S problems and opportunities and the conditions under which they might arise
and describe an issue resolution process
4.3 select appropriate methods of communication for conveying the OH&S plan and communicate up to
three OH&S concerns to the appropriate supervisor
4.4 establish and use criteria for judging effectiveness of OH&S plan, processes and outcomes.
Learning outcome 5
Work with others and in teams in a work environment in accordance with defined workplace procedures.
Elements
5.1 define purpose and objectives of procedures in a work environment
5.2 develop a work related plan incorporating roles, procedures and timeframes taking into account
possible hazards and risks
5.3 negotiate with others to define work related objectives and where necessary, monitor and redefine.
Learning outcome 6
Use information and communications technology in relation to a complex work related activity.
Elements
6.1 identify what information and communications technology is required for a given activity
6.2 use appropriate information and communications technology
6.3 review the use of information and communications technology in the activity.
Learning outcome 7
Use technology in accordance with OH&S guidelines in a work related context.
Elements
7.1 define the purpose and objectives for the use of technology in a work related context
7.2 identify potential hazards and risks for the use of technology in a work related context
7.3 use technology in a safe manner, consistent with OH&S guidelines and legislation
7.4 identify the safety and health considerations for the responsible use of technology.
Unit Information: Senior
WORK RELATED SKILLS SENIOR UNIT 2
Unit purpose
This unit provides a focus for the development of work related and vocational skills in a workplace
context or appropriate simulation. The overall aims of the unit include:
 integrating learning of increasing complexity of work related skills with prior knowledge and
experiences about work
 further enhancing the development of employability skills through increasingly complex work
related activity
 developing increasingly complex critical thinking skills that apply to problem-solving situations in
the work context
 developing planning and organisational skills that incorporate evaluation and review
 applying increasingly complex transferable skills to work related contexts.
Learning outcome 1
Collect, analyse and evaluate information in a work environment.
Elements
1.1 establish the information needs in the context of a workplace
1.2 investigate workplace information sources to identify and collect the most relevant information for
the work related activity
1.3 collate information into appropriate categories
1.4 evaluate the quality and relevance of information.
Learning outcome 2
Communicate ideas and information in a work environment.
Elements
2.1 select and use methods of communication appropriate to the work environment
2.2 evaluate the communication method using feedback
2.3 adapt information in response to feedback.
Learning outcome 3
Plan, organise and manage activities in a work environment, incorporating quality assurance processes.
Elements
3.1 identify and incorporate workplace goals into the planning, organisation and managing of own work
3.2 identify and incorporate workplace quality assurance processes into the planning, organising and
managing of own work.
Learning outcome 4
Identify and solve problems in a work environment.
Elements
4.1 establish major parameters affecting processes and outcomes in a work environment
4.2 select an appropriate work related process
4.3 anticipate problems and opportunities and the conditions under which they might arise
4.4 adapt processes to solve the problem
4.5 establish and use criteria for judging the effectiveness of the problem-solving process.
Learning outcome 5
Work with others and in teams in a work environment.
Elements
5.1 define purpose and objectives of teams in a work environment
5.2 develop a work related plan incorporating roles, procedures and timeframes taking into account
different perspectives of teams and the goals of the organisation
5.3 negotiate with others to define work related objectives and where necessary, monitor and redefine.
Learning outcome 6
Use information and communications technology in relation to a complex work related activity.
Elements
6.1 identify what information and communications technology is required for a given activity
6.2 use appropriate information and communications technology
6.3 review the use of information and communications technology in the activity.
Learning outcome 7
Identify, apply and evaluate technology in a work environment.
Elements
7.1 define the purpose and objectives for the use of technology
7.2 use technology in a work related situation
7.3 identify the social and ethical considerations for the responsible use of technology
7.4 apply technology to enhance workplace practices
7.5 evaluate new technology introduced into the workplace.
Learning outcome 8
Show enterprise and identify opportunities in work processes.
Elements
8.1 identify an opportunity for innovation
8.2 describe a possible innovation to a relevant supervisor
8.3 develop a long-term view of work roles.