Isaac Guymer chose to study the Vocational Education and Training course Human Services Examination because he wants to plot a pathway to study medicine.

The course provides an introduction to the health system and Isaac undertook a work placement at Bowral Hospital with the nursing staff.

He said the work placement was “challenging” and admitted a difficult experience with a patient almost made him drop the subject.

A few kind words from the Nursing Unit Manager changed his mind and this week Isaac came first in NSW in the subject.

The 2024 captain at Moss Vale High School now hopes to study a Bachelor of Pre-Medicine Health and Science at the University of Wollongong.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said most students who studied VET courses were leaving school with a dual qualification, a HSC and a nationally recognised VET qualification.

“It is a fantastic base to start on a very rewarding learning and career journey, whether that is through an apprenticeship, training, TAFE or university,” he said.

Around one-quarter of the almost 80,000 HSC students in 2024 were enrolled in at least one VET course, and most of these students are enrolled in one or more of the VET industry curriculum frameworks.

The varied offerings include subjects such as Construction, Hospitality, Automotive, Primary Industries, Entertainment Industry and Tourism, Travel and Events.

Charlie Westwood, who came first in NSW in Automotive Examination, studied at TAFE NSW Northern Beaches while a student at the Manly selective campus at the Northern Beaches Secondary College. Charlie is hoping to study mechanical engineering at the University of NSW next year. His favourite car is a Toyota Chaser.

Dubbo College Senior Campus student Mason Olney, first in Construction, said he studied the course with teacher John Miller because he liked the practical aspects and learning about the construction industry.

“We built plenty of projects at school, like a cubby house, some cement floats and a toolbox,” Mason said.

Mr Miller, who taught Construction to 14 students this year, was “thrilled to bits” with Mason’s success.

“He’s a very hard worker and I could always rely on him,” he said.

“I think Construction is popular with students who want to combine the practical and theoretical skills.”

Excellence in VET was also being celebrated today as the Distinguished Achievers in the HSC list was revealed.

Ten students from Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay and six students from Prairiewood High School received the highest bands in their VET subjects.

Prairiewood High School Retail Services teachers, Alan Mtashar and Reynold Chandra, were delighted for their students who all achieved a mark of 90 or more in their Retail Services Examination. 

“Our students and the results they achieve make all their sacrifices – and ours – worth it. Their success is our success, and we couldn’t be prouder,” Mr Chandra said. 

The school was also excited to celebrate Ashur Oshana who came first in the state in Retail Services Examination. 

Ashur credited his achievement to the engaging learning environment and in-depth HSC preparation lessons created by his teachers and encouraged his peers to consider a VET pathway.

“VET subjects provide students with real-world knowledge and placement allowing them to adapt to different workplace environments,” Ashur said.

“These courses also equip students with qualifications and certifications that can be invaluable for those looking to find work in the future.”

Mr Mtashar said VET subjects could set students up for their future.

“VET subjects allow students to build holistic, lifelong skills, such as public speaking, which builds their confidence,” he said.

At Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus, six students were Distinguished Achievers in the Entertainment Industry Examination and four in Human Services Examination. 

Head Teacher Vocational Education and Training Denise Haire credited student success to putting an equal emphasis on VET in the curriculum. 

“By promoting VET equally, it has meant that a lot of our academic students also apply to these courses, and we find that the skills they learn translate to success in other subjects as they are so much more engaged,” Ms Haire said. 

With close to half of the senior cohort undertaking a VET subject, the college was proud of how they were boosting students’ interests with industry collaborations and specialists.  

“We are so very proud of our students and it’s great to see the ones so passionate about their industries really immerse themselves,” Ms Haire said.