In addition to existing face-to-face VET courses, TAFE NSW will now develop at least 20 courses for Year 11 and 12 students into online courses to provide equal study options for senior secondary students across the State.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is determined to make vocational education available to as many students as possible to combat the skills shortage.

“From 2022, students will be combining vocational skills with academic knowledge. Their mathematics will be paired with advanced manufacturing, their biology with healthcare or their economics with accounting. Students will pick the course that is right for them and study online without leaving their school. All courses available will contribute to the HSC and ATAR,” he said.

The nationally recognised courses will include future focused and in-demand skillsets from industries such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, IT and cyber security, business, health and trades in construction and other critical industries.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said taking these courses online allows small student numbers in one school to connect with others in another area to form a larger class.

“This initiative will enable a student in a regional area to connect with their peers in schools all over the State to learn something like cyber security as one class across many classrooms, benefitting from industry experts and cutting edge materials”, she said.

“We know many schools are already doing an excellent job, and this policy will level the playing field when it comes to access, choice and industry connections. It won’t matter where you go to school - all NSW students will be given the opportunity to learn the skills that will see them thrive in the 21st century.”

The NSW Government will ensure this initiative is introduced in all secondary schools across the State with Year 11 and 12 students by 2022.