SKILLING THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE

More than 1,000 high school students are honing their skills in new and emerging industries as part of a new program developed to help them kickstart their career.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said close to 250 schools are taking part in the TAFE NSW Schools Launchpad program, which offers 20 innovative virtual courses to Year 11 and 12 students across the state.

“Through a combination of teacher-led virtual classrooms, workshops and work placements, students will be at the forefront of booming global industries,” Ms Mitchell said.

Some of the courses available under the program include big data, cloud computing, web design and development, social media, cyber security, robotics, game design and conservation management. 

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the exciting new course offerings will give students the opportunity to build strong foundations for the future.

“The skills offered in the courses will provide students with a technology vocabulary for future-focused jobs and our economy, with an agile workforce and pipeline of skilled workers,” Mr Henskens said.

“This program will give high school students unique opportunities to learn about the most innovative and cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the jobs of tomorrow.”

Granville Boys High School Principal Noel Dixon said 14 students at his school are studying robotics as part of the program, which will contribute to their HSC and ATAR, while gaining a vocational education and training qualification.

“These students have a passion for robotics and have studied iStem Robotics as Year 9 and 10 elective subjects, and this course will enable them to continue that work and learn more,” Mr Dixon said.

More information about the Schools Launchpad program is available online.