More than 1500 Central-West Orana students will have access to vocational education, training and job opportunities to kick start their careers, under the Minns Labor Government's $3.9 million expansion of the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) to the Central-West Orana region.
The EPP will be expanded to seven new schools in the Central-West Orana region from next year.
These schools will gain three staff members to help design and deliver the vocational education and skills initiative based on the school and community's needs:
- Dubbo College Senior Campus
- Dubbo College Delroy Campus
- Dubbo College South Campus
- Narromine High School
- Trangie Central School
- Warren Central School
- Wellington High School
The EPP already operates in 183 high schools across 11 regions in NSW.
It aims to introduce students to skilled-based careers and aligns VET pathways with emerging industry opportunities to address regional skills shortages.
Thanks to this investment by the Minns Labor Government, the program has already driven a 30% increase in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships in participating schools across the state. This means more students are earning while they learn, gaining a fee free qualification, and on the tools helping deliver the essential services that their communities need.
The EPP provides students with expert guidance, hands-on learning in real industry settings and access to vocational education and training (VET) pathways, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs), work experience and employment.
The expansion will help ensure more local students can develop the skills that work and access pathways into industries critical to the future of the region, including construction, electrical trades, renewable energy, manufacturing and other skilled occupations.
Initiatives under the program include deeper partnerships with TAFE NSW and local industry including vocational taster courses; pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship courses; job readiness workshops; and support for students to transition from school to vocational training or employment.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"The Minns Labor Government is making sure more regional students get the skills that work and the pathways they need into good local jobs. The Educational Pathways Program helps young people explore their options, build confidence and connect with vocational education, training and career opportunities while they're still at school.
"The Central-West Orana is experiencing significant growth, with strong demand for skilled workers in construction, electrical trades, renewable energy and other industries that are helping power the region's future. Through the Education Pathways Program, we want young people in Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Warren and Wellington to see those opportunities and have the support they need to take that next step.
"As the Minns Labor Government delivers more homes, major infrastructure and renewable energy projects across NSW after a decade of neglect by the former Liberals and Nationals Government, it's critical we have a strong pipeline of skilled workers. This investment will help connect local students with local opportunities while building the workforce our region and state need for the future."
