More than 15,000 NSW high school students have had the opportunity to access personalised career guidance, coaching and support to help inspire and prepare them for life after school through the expansion of a NSW Government program.
Premier Dominic Perrottet confirmed the successful Careers NSW program had been trialled in 32 high schools, enhancing existing school-based career services and opening doors for exciting opportunities for students.
"This program is about empowering students to take control of their future and learn more about the careers that are available when they leave school," Mr Perrottet said.
"By providing young people with additional professional careers guidance and connecting them to real industry experts, this program will unlock opportunities and inspire them to secure a brighter future."
Careers NSW was a key recommendation of the review into the NSW vocational education and training sector led by David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC.
The high school trial has helped students explore their interests, skills and possible career pathways, as well as helped to coordinate connections to industry experts and career opportunities.
Younger students participated in group careers exploration sessions, while parents and guardians have been given the opportunity to seek advice from professional careers practitioners about how they can better support their children.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government will conduct another two trials next year to inform how Careers NSW can best support students and schools moving forward.
"Close to 100,000 people have already used the Careers NSW website since the adult pilot was established last year, and these trials in high schools allow young people to get their first taste of this whole-of-life careers guidance service," Mr Henskens said.
"The Careers NSW trial in high schools complements existing careers advisers, enhancing their ability to deliver quality, professional advice and facilitate industry connections, to help students and parents understand how to aim high and secure a successful career."
The pilot program follows the expansion of the Educational Pathways Program and the introduction of TAFE NSW Launchpad, as well as recent changes to the HSC and ATAR that will increase the take-up of vocational education and training in high schools.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said embedding Careers NSW in schools is another example of the NSW Government's commitment to create stronger pathways from high school to a career.
"Careers NSW will help students explore their future, offering advice and information on everything from traditional trades to new and emerging industries," Ms Mitchell said.
"This program will help young people think big and explore the education and employment pathways available to them when they leave the school gates."
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said Careers NSW was the first service to utilise the Whole of Government online booking system as of February 2022, an initiative of the Government Made Easy program.
"The online booking system will provide students and parents with a one-stop shop and streamlined experience when booking appointments with careers practitioners through the program," Mr Dominello said.
For more information visit Careers NSW.
