More than 4,500 students in Campbelltown and Camden will have access to vocational education, training and job opportunities to kickstart their careers, under the Minns Labor Government’s $3.9 million expansion of the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) to Southwest Sydney.
The EPP will expand to nine new schools in Southwest Sydney hubs from Term 1 next year, as part of an $11.6 million statewide investment to grow the highly successful program and strengthen pathways from school into skilled jobs.
The rollout will benefit 24 new schools spread across Camden, Campbelltown, as well as the already announced Far South and Central-West Orana.
The new group of Camden and Campbelltown schools will gain new staff members to help design and deliver the vocational education and skills initiatives based on the school and community’s needs.
- Ambarvale High School
- Camden High School
- Elderslie High School
- Elizabeth Macarthur High School
- Gledswood Hills High School
- Mount Annan High School
- Oran Park High School
- James Meehan High School
- Robert Townson High School
This will bring the total number of participating schools in the Camden and Campbelltown area to 14.
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Steve Whan and Member for Camden Sally Quinnell visited Mount Annan High School to announce the expansion, meeting students and teachers who will benefit from new opportunities to explore vocational education and training (VET) pathways, apprenticeships and future careers.
The EPP already operates in 183 high schools across 11 regions in NSW. It aims to introduce students to skilled careers and aligns VET pathways with emerging industry opportunities.
The program is already delivering fantastic results, with a 30 per cent increase in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships in participating schools across the state between 2022 and 2025. This means more students are earning while they learn, gaining a fee free, nationally recognised qualification, and building the practical skills our communities need.
The Southwestern Sydney schools were identified to help address local workforce needs by connecting more students with opportunities in key industries, including construction, health and renewable energy.
The expansion will help build the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support major local projects like Western Sydney International Airport, which offers a range of opportunities for skill development.
The EPP provides students with expert guidance, hands-on learning in real industry settings and access to VET pathways, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, work experience and employment.
Initiatives under the program include deeper partnerships with TAFE NSW and local industry including vocational taster courses; pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship courses; job readiness workshops; and support for students to transition from school to vocational training, tertiary education or employment.
Expanding the EPP is a key commitment as part of the Minns Labor Government’s NSW Skills Plan to boost school pathways and VET across the state.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring more students can gain the skills that work and the pathways they need into good local jobs. The Educational Pathways Program helps young people explore their options, build confidence and connect with VET and career opportunities while they’re still at school.
“Across the fast-growing Campbelltown and Camden areas, from Elderslie to Macquarie Fields and south to Rosemeadow, the EPP will help 4,500 additional students develop the skills they need to pursue careers in key sectors including construction, health care and the support economy, transport and manufacturing.
“We want young people to be the first in line for the opportunities being created in their own communities, such as the new Western Sydney International Airport.
“Already, 47 per cent of all year 11 and 12 students at Mount Annan High School are enrolled in NESA vocational education and training courses and access to the EPP will open the doors to even more opportunities to upskill.
“As the Minns Labor Government delivers more homes, major infrastructure and renewable energy projects across NSW, it’s critical we have a strong pipeline of skilled workers. That’s why we’re investing a record $3.46 billion in skills, training and TAFE NSW, helping rebuild VET and connect local students with the jobs our communities and industries rely on.”
Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell said:
“Southwestern Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and this $3.9 million expansion will help ensure local students are equipped to take advantage of the incredible opportunities being created in our own backyard.
“The Educational Pathways Program gives young people practical pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE and skilled careers, helping them build confidence and gain valuable real-world experience while they’re still at school.
“As our region continues to grow, it’s essential we’re investing in the next generation of local workers so they can help deliver the homes, infrastructure and industries that will shape Camden and Campbelltown for years to come.”
Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren said:
“The Educational Pathways Program is already delivering real results in our region at three Campbelltown schools, helping students build practical skills, explore VET pathways and connect with future career opportunities.
“Thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s $3.9 million investment, we’ve seen firsthand the value of stronger partnerships between schools, TAFE and industry in preparing young people for the workforce.
“This expansion means more young people in Camden and Campbelltown can access those opportunities and gain the skills that employers are looking for in emerging industries.”
