$11.6 Million Expansion to Open More Vocational Pathways for NSW Students

By Xinrui Zhang- “Student journalists at the University of Melbourne”

Thousands of NSW public school students will have greater access to apprenticeships, vocational training and industry-based career opportunities following a $11.6 million expansion of the state government’s Educational Pathways Program.

The Minns Government will fund the expansion over four years, extending the program to 24 additional public high schools across several parts of the state.

The program currently operates in 183 schools across 11 regions. From next year, another 7,500 students are expected to benefit annually, taking the total number of participating schools to 207.

The expansion will include seven schools in the Central West and Orana, seven in the Camden region, eight in southern NSW and two in south-west Sydney.

Through the Educational Pathways Program, students receive additional career support and opportunities to explore vocational education and training, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, work experience and employment.

The latest investment comes as participation in school-based vocational education continues to grow across NSW public schools. Government figures show commencing enrolments increased by 36.5 per cent, from 29,005 students in 2024 to 39,605 in 2025.

Participating schools List

Focus on Future Skills

The government said the expansion is part of its broader $3.46 billion investment in skills, training and TAFE NSW announced in the 2026–27 Budget.

The funding is aimed at strengthening the vocational education sector and helping meet demand for skilled workers in areas including construction, clean energy, agriculture and manufacturing.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said students should have access to different options when planning their future after school.

He said the program would help young people understand available vocational pathways and gain the support needed to move into further training or employment.

The Educational Pathways Program began as a pilot involving 24 schools in 2020. Following the pilot’s success, it was expanded across NSW and is now operating in 183 government high schools.

The government says the latest expansion will also strengthen connections between schools, employers and training providers, while providing additional support for students who face barriers to education and employment.

Source: NSW Government