Pilot careers and training program extended to four local high schools

VET Training Awards Tash Stanic © Photo by Salty Dingo 2020 CK

A State program that focuses on post-school training and employment pathways is to be rolled out at four high schools at the top end of the Coast.

The Educational Pathways Program, which was piloted in 24 high schools across South-West Sydney and the North Coast, helps broker relationships between schools, local employers and industry.

Northlakes High School, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (Berkeley Vale, The Entrance and Tumbi Umbi Campuses), Wadalba Community School and Wyong High School will all be included in this year’s program.

It includes fee-free apprenticeships and pre-traineeships, allowing students to ‘test-drive’ different vocational education and training courses; specialist head teachers and teams to work with careers advisers to create opportunities and pathways for students; and dedicated staff to promote awareness and engagement in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, while offering tailored support and mentoring for students.

The four local high schools are part of 120 NSW schools that will benefit from the program.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the program’s pilot phase over the past two years successfully introduced thousands of students to different training and career pathways.

“The program has already seen the tripling of the number of students across the 24 pilot schools enrolling in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships,” Henskens said.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government would invest $16.5M in the expansion of the program.

“The Educational Pathways Program is designed to improve education and career outcomes by introducing NSW public high schools students to a range of post-school training and employment pathways,” Mitchell said.

Nicola Riches