This subject gives particular attention to developing the language skills required for participation in society, with particular emphasis on the workplace. It is designed to meet the needs of students preparing to enter the workforce, and also to meet the literacy requirements for Secondary Graduation and TAFE entry.

This subject stipulates seven outcomes: selecting and discussing relevant ideas; summarising and organising information; organising and presenting information for context; use of appropriate language for audience, purpose and context; write using standard Australian English; speak appropriately for audience, purpose and context; listen effectively to ideas, information, instructions and texts.

Where possible Vocational English should be adapted to reflect the particular vocational area of study being undertaken. This may mean that the outcomes covered by Vocational English could be integrated with other outcomes covered by other vocational subjects.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to use and produce a range of appropriate oral and written texts relevant to the workplace. These texts may include letters, forms, reports, interviews, illustrative stories, manuals, films, magazines, documents, newspaper information etc.