NSW public schools are leading an increase in the number of students signing up to vocational education and training courses, which are helping them gain practical, job-ready skills for rewarding careers while also addressing critical shortages.
As the nation prepares to mark National Skills Week from August 24, new National Centre for Vocational Education Research figures show that NSW VET in School commencements increased by 30.8% or 13,850 across all three school sectors to 58,785 in 2025.
This was led by a surge at NSW public schools, where commencements rose by a massive 36.5% from 29,005 in 2024 to 39,605 in 2025.
This increase in commencements has driven total VET in School enrolments at NSW public schools to a record high of 44,550 in 2025.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said vocational education and training (VET) in schools gave students valuable skills, experiences and insight into the many pathways available to them after school.
“National Skills Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of our VET teaching workforce and the opportunities they create for students every day.
“By giving students practical, industry-connected skills while they are still at school, VET opens their eyes to careers they may not have considered and helps them make informed choices about their future.
“VET is about giving young people a head start – building the practical skills, confidence and experience they need to move from the classroom into further training, further study and rewarding careers.”
NSW public school students can enrol from as early as Year 9 in VET courses to help them prepare for further education, training or employment.
Schools offer a range of VET courses from construction through to entertainment services, providing students with recognition towards their HSC in addition to a nationally recognised VET qualification.
The lift in high school VET numbers has been supported by the NSW Government expansion of the Educational Pathways Program, and increased support for the Regional Industry Education Partnerships Program and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs).
SBATs allow students to achieve a VET qualification and their HSC at the same time as gaining valuable work skills through paid employment.
These programs are helping to build a skilled, adaptable workforce that meets the needs of employers today while also preparing NSW for the jobs of the future.
The NSW Skills Plan 2024-2028 underlines the importance of strengthening VET pathways, transitions and career support for secondary learners.
National Skills Week 2026, under the theme Life Changing, raises awareness of the opportunities available through VET and the contributions of apprentices, trainees and skilled workers to industry, employers and the broader economy.
NSW Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Steve Whan said National Skills Week was the perfect opportunity to showcase to students how vocational education and training could transform lives, businesses and communities.
“I am delighted to see a record number of students in VET subjects. It shows more young people are recognising the value of practical, job-ready skills.
"National Skills Week is about celebrating the skills that work. These are the skills that lead to jobs, support industry and create opportunities for people right across NSW.
"Through our school-based initiatives we're connecting students with local employers, local industries and real career pathways, helping build the skilled workforce our state needs for the future."
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