On Monday, 14 November 2022, NSW Training Awards Ambassadors Gabriella Adeline, Ammaleah Astruc, Arcadia Meldrum, Tyler Pockran and Taylor Vandijk headed to Pendle Hill High School to spend a few hours chatting about Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways to more than 130 students from Years 10 and 11.

This group of outstanding and passionate individuals were engaged to join the Educational Pathway Program. This initiative has been steadily growing, and 2022 saw some significant milestones, including the first VET Ambassador ‘Careers Conversation’ Day at Pendle Hill High School in November. The initiative is a unique opportunity for successful alumni from the NSW Training Awards to hold space for career-focused casual conversations, questions, and organic discovery. The ambassadors represent a range of industries, all with unique journeys, affirming that career paths neither must be linear nor expected.

Pendle Hill High School wanted to host a session that presented students with a general view of the possibilities of VET pathways and promote the opportunities available to students, including School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, TAFE YES+, and ongoing support from the Head Teacher Careers to devise learning opportunities that are bespoke to student needs.

In small groups of 10 students, the NSW Training Awards Ambassadors shared their career journeys, the VET qualifications they attained, the experiences of establishing themselves in the industry and how they’ve made VET work as a tool to excel professionally.

With the EPP program continuing to reach more students, the NSW Training Awards is the gateway to recognition, opportunities, and professional development for VET Ambassadors across NSW. It’s a chance for NSW Training Awards winners and finalists to extend their experience and support young people making significant decisions about their pathways.

Applications for the 2023 NSW Training Awards are currently open, and this year will see high recruitment of future participants.

If you or someone you know is passionate about the value of VET, apply for the 2023 NSW Training Awards and be recognised.