AN increasing number of students are signing up in NSW public schools to vocational education and training courses, which are helping them gain practical, job-ready skills for rewarding careers.
This week is National Skills Week and new National Centre for Vocational Education Research figures show that NSW vocational education and training (VET) in-school commencements increased by 30.8 per cent or 13,850 across all three school sectors to 58,785 in 2025.
This was led by a surge at NSW public schools, where commencements rose by a massive 36.5 per cent from 29,005 in 2024 to 39,605 in 2025 and a record high of 44,550 in 2025.
Students can do TAFE as part of HSC, while others may choose a school-based apprentice or trainee (SBAT).
The SBAT students do one day of paid work and day of training in childcare, hairdressing or assistant nursing, with the rest of the week at school.
This usually cuts a year off an apprenticeship.
“VET gives students the best of both worlds,” a spokesperson said.
“[Students have] the opportunity to complete the HSC while gaining real-world skills and qualifications that can open doors to employment, further training and university.”
NSW public school students can enrol from as early as Year 9 in VET courses to help them prepare for further education, training or employment.
NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar, said, “National Skills Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of our VET teaching workforce and the opportunities they create for students every day.
“By giving students practical, industry-connected skills while they are still at school, VET opens their eyes to careers they may not have considered and helps them make informed choices about their future.
“VET is about giving young people a head start – building the practical skills, confidence and experience they need to move from the classroom into further training, further study and rewarding careers.”
NSW Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Steve Whan said National Skills Week was the perfect opportunity to showcase to students how vocational education and training could transform lives, businesses and communities.
He said, “I am delighted to see a record number of students in VET subjects.
It shows more young people are recognising the value of practical, job-ready skills.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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