Record enrolments in vocational education as public schools mark National Skills Week

AN increasing number of students are signing up in NSW public schools to vocational education and training courses, helping them to 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.

Locally, Orara High School has almost tripled its VET enrolments since 2023 while Toormina High School’s have increased 80 per cent.

Students can study a TAFE course as part of their HSC and Careers Advisor at Toormina High School, Kerstin Woodward said the school currently has Year 11 and 12 students enrolled in construction, entertainment, hospitality, screen and media subjects.

Ten students are studying automotive at TAFE, and six are involved in School-Based Apprentice or Trainee (SBAT).

SBAT students do one day of paid work and a day of training in courses, such as childcare, hairdressing or assistant nursing, with the rest of the week at school. This usually cuts a year off their apprenticeship.

“VET gives students the best of both worlds,” Ms Woodward said.

“It is an 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.

“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,” said NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar.

“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.”

By Andrew VIVIAN