NSW public schools are leading an increase in the number of students signing up to vocational education and training courses, which are helping them gain practical, job-ready skills for rewarding careers while also addressing critical shortages.
As the nation prepares to mark National Skills Week from August 24, new National Centre for Vocational Education Research figures show that NSW VET in School commencements increased by 30.8% 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% from 29,005 in 2024 to 39,605 in 2025.
This increase in commencements has driven total VET in School enrolments at NSW public schools to a record high of 44,550 in 2025.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said vocational education and training (VET) in schools gave students valuable skills, experiences and insight into the many pathways available to them after school.
“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.”
