Maths in Workplaces
Using real-life work examples in maths lessons helps high school students see why maths matters. It shows how abstract ideas relate to real world tasks, like using measurement in building work or analysing data in transport, making maths easier to understand and more relevant.
When lessons are based on practical, workplace-related problems, students become more engaged and develop important skills in critical thinking and numeracy - skills that are important for many jobs.
This way of teaching helps students feel more confident about life after school. By linking maths to real jobs, they build useful employability skills, learn about careers, and make informed choices about further education, training, or work.
Intended audience
Secondary school mathematics teachers, careers advisers, transition advisers
Purpose
The purpose of this lesson series is to connect classroom mathematics with real-world applications across diverse workplaces, including industries experiencing skills shortages in NSW. It aims to make maths learning authentic and purposeful for Stage 4 and 5 students, helping them understand how mathematical concepts are used in practice and how these skills open pathways to relevant, rewarding, and in-demand careers after school.
Suggested timing for use
Teachers can incorporate the included lesson into their Stage 4 or 5 teaching programmes, delivering it according to their curriculum planning schedule.
How to use
This resource is designed to support teachers in delivering authentic, career-connected mathematics lessons for Stage 4 and 5 students. Each lesson plan highlights how specific mathematical concepts are applied in real workplaces and industries, including those facing skills shortages in NSW.
- Select a lesson – Choose lessons that align with your current maths topic or learning outcomes. Each lesson includes curriculum links, learning intentions, and success criteria.
- Explore the workplace context – Introduce the featured industry or occupation to build relevance and student engagement. Use the accompanying teacher notes, videos, or case studies where provided.
- Teach through real-world application – Facilitate the learning activities that apply maths skills to authentic workplace problems. Encourage discussion about how maths underpins everyday tasks in these careers.
- Connect to pathways – Conclude by exploring post-school pathways linked to the featured industry. Support students to reflect on how the skills they’re developing in maths contribute to future education, training, and employment options.
This approach helps students see the purpose of mathematics in their lives and strengthens their awareness of meaningful post-school opportunities.
Maths in Workplaces Stage 5
Maths in Workplaces, (Building Industry)
Students will explore how maths is applied in real-world situations within the Building Industry. They will begin to develop practical skills and explore the role maths plays in trades like carpentry, plumbing, and construction planning. This is an ideal capstone activity for the final unit of Year 9.
Maths in Workplaces (Building Industry)
Maths in Workplaces, (Hydraulic Pump)
Students will gauge the authentic use of maths and begin to explore skills training that utilises maths. This is an ideal capstone activity for the final unit of Year 9.
Alignment to system priorities and/or needs
Our Plan for NSW Public Education (2023)
- Support, inform and inspire all students to choose post-school pathway options aligned to their goals.
- Improve access, opportunities and choice across post-school pathways including university, training and work for all students.
- Provide high-quality, evidence-based curriculum resources
Alignment to relevant department policy, procedures and frameworks
School Excellence Framework v3:
- Learning Culture: Transitions and Continuity of Learning
- Effective Classroom Practice: Lesson Planning
NESA Australian Professional Standards for Teachers – 2.2.2, 3.3.2, 3.4.2.
Consulted with
Pathways Resources Working Group which includes representation from Directors, Educational Leadership, Principals, Principals School Leadership, School Excellence, and subject matter experts from across the department.
Related resources on the URH
Reviewed by
Careers and Pathways Programs, Skills and Workforce Programs
Created / Last updated
November 2025 / November 2025
Anticipated resource review date
Annually
Feedback
Careers and Pathways Programs would appreciate your feedback. Please use the Pathways resource feedback form to provide a short evaluation of this resource.
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (2011). Australian professional standards for teachers accessed November 2025.
New South Wales Department of Education and Training. (2003). Quality teaching in NSW public schools: Discussion paper. NSW Department of Education and Training.
Office of the Chief Scientist. (2016). Tackling the school–industry mathematics divide. Australian Government.
Qi, Z. T. (2015). Applying mathematics knowledge to industry oriented problems in classroom teaching (VOCED Report) accessed November 2025.