Pilot program offers students taster courses
More than 700 local high school students from 10 schools are expected to take part in a two-year pilot of the Northern Beaches Educational Pathways Program (EPP) – a growing initiative that’s helping high school students get real skills and explore career opportunities.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan visited The Forest High School on 22 July to meet with students, teachers and staff involved in the EPP.
The Forest High is the ‘home’ school for a 10-school pilot, and already the program is making a difference in how careers education and vocational training are delivered across the region.
Students involved in the program have access to vocational ‘taster’ courses at TAFE NSW through the Start Your Future initiative, job readiness workshops, and direct support to take up school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) while still working towards their HSC. The EPP has run in other areas of NSW and driven a 20% increase in SBAT participation.
Students from across the 10 participating schools, including Barrenjoey, Narrabeen and Pittwater high schools, can explore a wide range of careers through EPP workshops and TAFE NSW courses, all while staying connected to school. For example, in Term 3 students can do hands-on courses in early childhood education, carpentry and cookery.
Head teacher careers Matt Dolan and SBAT engagement officer Sarah Taylor are leading the work across the region, helping to build strong relationships between schools, local employers and training providers.
The EPP pilot is co-funded by the Department of Education and participating schools and is part of the NSW Government’s broader commitment to strengthening vocational pathways for young people, especially in regional and suburban areas.
Minister Whan said it was ‘a great example of schools, TAFE, industry and the community working together to give young people a flying start.’
“Programs like this don’t just show students what’s possible, they open doors and help them get there.
“Whether it’s trying out childcare, retail, trades or hospitality, this program is helping Northern Beaches students discover career pathways that are right for them.
“These kinds of programs give students the confidence, experience and skills to make informed decisions about what’s next.”