Breaking Barriers: VET Transport Pilot Transforms Opportunities for Rural Students
Students at Rushworth P-12 College are no longer missing out on vital vocational education and training opportunities, thanks to the VET Transport Pilot, launched in 2023 by the Campaspe Cohuna LLEN (CCLLEN) with support from the Department of Education.
Designed to overcome significant transport barriers faced by rural and regional students, the program has grown rapidly, delivering life-changing results and setting a new standard for equitable access to education.
Before the pilot, accessing VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) programs was a near-impossible task for many Rushworth students. With the nearest VET providers located in Shepparton, Bendigo, and Echuca, travel was costly, time-consuming, and inaccessible for families. These barriers meant students were missing out on training opportunities in high-demand industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture—areas critical for local workforce development.
That all changed in 2023 when CCLLEN introduced the VET Transport Pilot, initially providing transport for four students to attend GO TAFE in Shepparton via a taxi service.
Building on early success, the program scaled up dramatically in 2024. Regular bus services now connect students to multiple VET providers in Shepparton, Echuca, and Bendigo. Flexible options such as fuel subsidies and parent-led transport arrangements cater to students in remote areas. Schools, transport providers, and CCLLEN have worked together to align timetables with student needs. As a result, student participation skyrocketed—from just four students in 2023 to 35 in 2024. Projections for 2025 show numbers growing to 42, demonstrating the program’s increasing impact.
The VET Transport Pilot has delivered remarkable results. Rural students now have access to the same VET pathways as their metropolitan peers. School staff report improved student retention, confidence, and career planning. The program is also addressing skill shortages in priority industries across the Campaspe region.
Curtis McDonald, VCE Coordinator at Rushworth P-12 College, shared his thoughts:
“This program has been transformative. Students can now access vocational studies without worrying about transport costs. It’s opened doors to new opportunities, improved their education outcomes, and is building the local workforce. Without this initiative, these pathways simply wouldn’t exist for our students.”
With proven success, the program’s next steps include advocating for continued funding to sustain its growth, refining transport options based on student and family feedback, and expanding the program to support even more rural students.
The VET Transport Pilot is more than just a transport solution—it’s a lifeline for rural students, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for success. As participation grows, the program continues to align with the Department of Education’s mission for equitable access to education.
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