Students swapped the classroom for the real world last week, stepping inside one of Sydney's most historic landmarks, Sydney Observatory, as part of the Minns Labor Government's Visitor Economy Sydney High School Student Challenge in the CBD.
Around 70 students were given a behind-the-scenes look at the industries powering NSW's visitor economy; from tourism and hospitality to arts, events and major attractions, highlighting the diverse and dynamic careers on offer.
The immersive experience, officially opened by NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, brought students face-to-face with industry professionals and real-world career pathways across the visitor economy sector.
Delivered by TAFE NSW in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and supported by Destination NSW, the program is helping deliver on the Minns Labor Government's plan to build a skilled workforce and create more pathways from school into secure, rewarding and in demand jobs.
Students explored the inner workings of Sydney Observatory, discovering the history and operations behind this iconic attraction, before heading to BridgeClimb Sydney where they discovered the wide range of roles involved in delivering world-class visitor experiences.
An industry panel included representatives from BridgeClimb, Sydney Observatory, Norwegian Cruise Line and 57 Hotel (Surry Hills), gave students a direct insight into the skills, pathways and opportunities across the visitor economy sector.
The Student Challenge supports the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to grow visitor expenditure, expand accommodation and create up to 150,000 jobs across tourism and related sectors, helping ensure NSW has a skilled workforce ready to support the industry's future growth.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"This is about opening doors and giving students real exposure to real careers and showing them how to get there.
"The Minns Labor Government is backing the next generation with the skills they need for secure, rewarding and secure jobs, creating clear pathways from school into industry through providers such as TAFE NSW."
