High school students in Western Sydney can now gain specialist skills to prepare them for rewarding careers, as part of a pilot initiative that for the first time will see TAFE NSW teachers deliver sought-after courses from a purpose-built facility at a public high school.
The project is being officially opened by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan on Thursday following its completion in week 3 of Term 4.
The new facility will provide students from Seven Hills and six other local high schools the opportunity to develop vocational skills, building pathways to apprenticeships, traineeships, and trade qualifications, as well as tertiary education at TAFE NSW or university.
The purpose-built facility and vocational courses will allow students to receive industry-standard training onsite and develop the skills required to pursue careers in Community and Health Services, Construction (Electrotechnology and Plumbing), and Transport, Logistics and Warehousing.
Students will also have the opportunity to incorporate relevant complementary vocational courses in areas like business, financial and retail services, digital media and information technology into their studies.
With industry engagement a core feature of the initiative, the courses delivered at the school are informed by demand for employment in Western Sydney and further skills will be added in future.
Courses being delivered at the centre are for students in Year 11 and 12, and all count towards the HSC as well as related VET qualifications.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"This is an exciting moment for students from Western Sydney who will be able to take advantage of state-of-the-art learning and training facilities to skill themselves for the jobs that local employers are looking to fill.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing school students with increased opportunities for vocational learning, to ensure every student finishes school ready to succeed in their chosen pathway.
"This includes enhancing access to high-quality VET courses in schools, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and HSC pathways.
"The sky is the limit for our local students, and I can't wait to see how they make use of this new Vocational Innovation Centre to achieve their goals."
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"Our future economy needs hundreds of thousands of skilled workers in high demand careers. There are great opportunities for the students who use this facility.
"Cutting-edge resources and courses will be delivered in school by excellent TAFE teachers and school VET teachers. High school students will access opportunities that pave the way to a great future for the student and a better skilled workforce.
"The NSW Government is focused on improving access to vocational education for school students and empowering our students to acquire vital skills and knowledge to thrive in their academic journeys and beyond."
