The Board of Studies’ Early Start Vocational Education and Training (VET) Pathways was a runner-up in this year’s Premier’s Public Sector Awards.

The Early Start VET Pathways give students a head start to training for national industry qualifications, beginning while they are still in Years 9 and 10.

The pathways allow schools to broaden their curriculum and aim to improve the participation and retention of students through School Certificate VET courses and early commencement of Stage 6 HSC VET courses.

Early Start VET Pathways also allow students to commence school-based apprenticeships and traineeships in Years 9 and 10, helping young people to gain a head start in a future trade or career while still completing their schooling through to the Higher School Certificate.

Giving students the opportunity to start their training in Years 9 and 10 also allows students to gain higher-level AQF VET qualifications (Certificate III and IV) as part of their HSC.

The new pathways have been available to all secondary schools across the state since the beginning of 2009. This year, 2324 Year 9 and 10 students from 216 schools are enrolled in VET courses, covering industry areas such as Animal Care, Automotive, Beauty Therapy, Children’s Services, Construction, Entertainment Industry, Hospitality, Hairdressing, Information Technology, Metal and Engineering, Primary Industries and Retail and Business Services.

The Early Start VET Pathways initiative has been possible due to the support of the NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training and the continued collaboration of the three school systems, TAFE NSW, industry and employer groups.