NSW Education Department’s Education Pathways Program see massive uptick in school-based apprenticeships

Thousands of teens at risk of leaving the classroom for apprenticeships have signed up to a booming program which will see them get a Certificate Three degree alongside their HSC.

WEEKEND TELEGRAPHS SPECIAL. APRIL 11, 2024. PLEASE CONTACT WEEKEND PIC EDITOR JEFF DARMANIN BEFORE PUBLISHING.,, Pictured is Filo Totoa, who is a Parramatta Eels Juniors Player who is determined to stay in school despite his NRL aspirations. He is undertaking the trade training college and works onsite as a tradesman while getting his apprenticeship and HSC. Picture: Tim Hunter.

It started off as a pilot program, but now more than 148 schools across the state are offering kids at risk of leaving the classroom for a worksite the chance to get their HSC – and an apprenticeship at the same time.

More than 1800 students were enrolled in the NSW Education Department’s Education Pathways Program in 2023, with certificate three courses in Carpentry, Electrotechnology Electrician and Hairdressing the most popular programs for apprenticeships.

Meanwhile retail, Health Services Assistance and Early Childhood Education the top three traineeship programs on offer.

Almost 8000 students have completed the two-year program since 2019, with 1102 female students and a further 752 male students taking up courses in the last round.

Pictured is Filo Totoa, who is a Cabramatta Rugby League Club Junior Player who is determined to stay in school despite his NRL aspirations. He is undertaking the trade training college and works onsite as a tradesman while getting his apprenticeship and HSC. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High School Filo Totoa juggles his time between school, his carpentry apprenticeship, and his love for Rugby League as a member of the Cabramatta Junior Rugby League Club’s Under 18 division squad.

“I wanted to do it because it’s a program that sets a good foundation for my future career and life in general,” Mr Totoa told The Sunday Telegraph.

“My parents and teachers encouraged me to stay in school and do an apprenticeship, rather than leave school all together.

“The (program) has given me the opportunity to finish high school and get a lifelong skill at the same time. Ultimately, I want a full-time career in the NRL and this opportunity gives me the bonus skills that I might need to call on later down the track.”

Students can obtain an apprenticeship and Certificate Three alongside their HSC. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

The young apprentice said on Thursday morning he is already at a western Sydney train station before 4am to get to a Sydney-based job site.

“I won’t get home until about 6 – then it’s back to the classroom – I really enjoy the variety,” he said.

“Working on site one day a week is a great experience and its awesome to learn the trade from some of the more experienced carpenters – something I couldn’t get if I was in the classroom five days a week.”

L to R: Trades apprentice Aston Pritchard with Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan. Picture: John Appleyard

NSW Skills Minister Steve Whan said school-based apprenticeships and traineeships were key to deliver the state’s future vocational workforce, “as we know four out of every 10 new jobs created in the next decade will need vocational qualifications”.

“They offer students a unique pathway through which they can complete their HSC while also gaining nationally recognised VET skills that will set them up for a successful transition into the workforce,” he said.