Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have taken part in a career pathways tour of Sydney, gaining firsthand insight into industries ranging from hospitality and aviation to construction, animal care and space science.

 Fifteen students from Years 9 to 11 travelled from high schools located on Wiradjuri, Gundungurra, Ngunnawal, Kamilaroi/ Gamilaraay, Bundjalung and Yuin Countries, including Lake Cargelligo Central School, Mulwaree High School, Mungindi Central School, Murwillumbah High School, Peel High School, Tweed River High School, Ulladulla High School and Wollumbin High School. 

Delivered by the Department of Education’s Careers and Pathways Programs and Aboriginal Education and Communities (AEC) Directorates, the Inspiring Pathways Industry Tour offered students a four-day experience, including three days of industry visits, hands-on workshops, and cultural learning anchored in the Aboriginal Pedagogy framework. 

The itinerary featured career pathway sessions at Taronga Zoo, a space and STEM immersion with One Giant Leap, a School Infrastructure project at Molonba Public School, which included Aboriginal-owned trade organisations, and an in-depth tour of the emerging Western Sydney International Airport. Students also took part in a hospitality workshop led by the National Indigenous Culinary Institute (NICI) at the Kimberwalli Centre of Excellence. 

The tour also emphasised pathways for work and education available back home in their own communities, helping students connect what they learn on the tour with meaningful opportunities in their own regions 

The variety of roles in major industries was a revelation, and Western Sydney International Airport proved a highlight because, in the words of one student, “they have so many different types of jobs there.”  

The National Indigenous Culinary Institute workshop also resonated, with another student reflecting on the chef leading the session, saying, “he was just very cool.” 

Other students said they left the tour feeling “More confident” about planning their future pathways.  

Takeaways for students ranged from “try everything … and learn what’s out there because there’s more than what we know” to “not give up until I reach my goal and where I want to be in life.” 

Strengthened by new connections, cultural confidence, and a wider picture of future career possibilities, students returned home feeling ready to explore their next steps.