The Educational Pathways Program (EPP) held successful regional roundtables in Armidale and Tamworth on 28 and 29 May. The events brought together school leaders, students, parents and local businesses to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) opportunities for students in regional, rural and remote (RRR) schools.

Shannon Mudiman, Leader of the Educational Pathways Program, said the events provided valuable firsthand insights. "It was incredibly valuable to hear about local successes and challenges. We have come away with many practical ideas to strengthen program delivery in these areas.”

Highlights from Armidale

Hosted at Armidale Secondary College on Anaiwan country, the roundtable began with a powerful dance performance by the Lyambay dancers. Host Principal Kim Alford shared her non-linear career journey, highlighting the EPP's importance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Year 11 Uralla Central School student Hannah and her mother, Allison Broadbent, were interviewed by Alison Dundon, SBAT Engagement Officer, about undertaking a school-based traineeship (SBAT) in Health Services Assistance within an ATAR pathway. Thanks to recent changes by Newcastle University, these traineeships now offer direct entry into a Bachelor of Nursing.

Employer engagement was a key topic, with Clinton Sanderson, HR Officer at the Scott Group, suggesting initiatives like business breakfasts. Key partners attending included Karly Brogan, RIEP Officer; David Partridge, EAL/D Education Leader; and Amy Simpson, Student Support Officer from TAFE NSW.

Highlights from Tamworth

At Peel High School on Kamilaroi/Gomeroi country, Principal Fiona Jackson welcomed attendees. The event began with an Acknowledgement of Country from the Peel High School Captain Chayse Shepherd. Chayse, a NSW Training Awards finalist, is also completing an SBAT in Conservation and Ecosystems.

Attendees discussed solutions to boost employer engagement, such as creating an SBAT Employer of the Year award. Principal Paul Davis of Tamworth High School emphasised the need for better long-term planning to integrate career pathway opportunities into the school. The roundtable also had strong support from local partners including Kayarna Pepper from Apollo Engineering, Casey Howard from the Local Aboriginal Land Council, and Deb Taekata, CEO of Careers Network.

Educational Pathways VET Ambassadors Simone Williams and Gabby Ward shared their experiences. Gabby's insights so impressed Ruythe Dufty, Director, Educational Leadership, that a nomination for a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) was discussed.

Key themes and next steps

A significant challenge raised at both events was student transport in RRR areas, including its availability, cost, and the need for staff supervision. The EPP team will continue to collaborate with Transport for NSW to explore solutions. Other common themes included engaging parents about VET options and the high demand for the TAFE NSW Start Your Future program.

Strong partnerships were evident, with Nick Minto, Manager of Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP), and Kylie Green from the Regional, Rural and Remote Unique Settings Directorate (RRR USD), attending both sessions to help create impactful career learning experiences and address shared challenges.

Feedback from the roundtables was positive, and the insights gathered will inform the program's future planning.

The EPP Regional Roundtables continue in Inverell on 17 June and Narrabri on 18 June.