The EPP is a vital resource for public schools, helping to connect students with local industry through initiatives like vocational education and training (VET), job readiness workshops, and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs). This ongoing funding secures 108 jobs and will continue to provide career education experiences for more than 70,000 students every year.

"This extension ensures the continuation of the EPP’s vital career guidance and vocational education services that help students connect with local industry and give them a great career head start before they have even graduated," says Shannon Mudiman.

The EPP's impact goes beyond the classroom, helping to uplift communities and economies by creating a highly skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of industries facing skills shortages and new technologies.

For former Keira High School student, Xavier Jeremijenko, the EPP was the direct pathway to his career. His journey started with a TAFE NSW "Start Your Future" course in Engineering – Fitting & Machining, followed by a two-week "Productivity Bootcamp" in construction. These experiences inspired him to complete a school-based traineeship and ultimately secure his current role as a first-year apprentice carpenter.

"The EPP has given me the core skills to get me to where I need to be, and I am at least six months ahead in my coursework for a Certificate III in Carpentry," says Xavier. "Without these experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am today."

This ongoing commitment to the EPP means more students will have the opportunity to follow their passion and gain the skills needed to thrive in the workforce, ensuring a bright future for them and their communities.