BIG WIN - Local High Schools To Benefit From Strengthened Career Pathways

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced that local high school students at Bomaderry High School, Albion Park High School and Kiama High School are set to benefit from exploring exciting career opportunities through the expansion of the successful Educational Pathways Program across our region.

Mr Ward said that this program aims to improve education and career pathways for high school students by connecting them to real-world skills, training and experience.

Local high schools set to benefit include:

• Bomaderry High School;
• Albion Park High School; and
• Kiama High School.

“Having written directly to the NSW Minister for Skills and Training making this request and calling on the NSW Government to expand this program to high schools in the Kiama electorate – I am absolutely delighted that the NSW Government has listened and acted on my request which is welcome news for our local high school students.

“This program is a real win for students and will help to broker relationships between schools, local employers and industries,” he 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.

“I welcome the NSW Government’s $16.5 million investment to expand the program six-fold across our region and 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.

“Importantly, this wonderful program has already introduced hundreds of students to different training and career pathways.

“As part of the program, these local high school students will receive the opportunity to undertake fee-free apprenticeships and pre-traineeships so they can ‘test-drive’ different vocational education and training options.

“It will provide local students with the skills and training needed to prepare them for jobs that are aligned with industry demand, including healthcare, hospitality, IT and manufacturing,” Mr Ward concluded.

For more information, please visit the website at: www.education.nsw.gov.au/educational-pathways-program.