High school students are to enjoy more career opportunities with the expansion of a successful pilot program in the Department of Education.
Announced by Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, the Educational Pathways Program is to be expanded to 120 schools around the State following a trial in 24 high schools across South-West Sydney and the North Coast.
“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.
“The program will also help to broker relationships between schools, local employers and industry leaders, which can lead to jobs and further training for these students,” she said.
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,” Mr Henskens said.
He said features of the program included fee-free apprenticeships and pre-traineeships; specialist head teachers and teams to work with careers advisers to create more engaging opportunities and pathways for students; dedicated staff to promote awareness and engagement in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships; and tailored support for students exploring the pathways.
Further information on the Department’s Educational Pathways Program can be accessed at this PS News link.
