Students at five local high schools are being encouraged to explore exciting career opportunities through the expansion of the successful Educational Pathways Program.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the program aims to improve education and career pathways for high school students by connecting them to real-world skills, training and experience.
“This program is a real win for students at Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Quirindi High Schools and Merriwa Central School which will help to broker relationships between schools, local employers and industries,” Mr Layzell said.
“Expanding the program means more opportunities for students to develop the skills and experience that will help them make informed decisions about their career and further education.”
“Students will be provided with the skills and training needed to prepare them for jobs that are aligned with industry demand including healthcare, hospitality, IT and manufacturing.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government will invest $16.5 million to expand the program six-fold across the state, hiring specialist teachers to work with careers advisers to create more engaging opportunities for students.
“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,” Ms Mitchell said.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the program has already introduced hundreds of students to different training and career pathways.
“As part of the program we’ll be giving students the opportunity to undertake fee-free apprenticeships and pre-traineeships so they can ‘test-drive’ different vocational education and training options,” Mr Henskens said.
For more information, visit www.education.nsw.gov.au/educational-pathways-program.
