With graduation season ramping up for high schools across the Central West, TAFE NSW students are celebrating the end of their studies in the Certificate II in Career Preparation, which is an alternate pathway to completing year 10.

Recent data produced by the Productivity Commission has revealed that 1 in 5 Australian students don't finish high school, which is a concerning number given the National Skills Commission predicts 90% of new jobs created in the next five years will need post-secondary qualification.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Career Pathways, Kym Roach, said TAFE NSW offers students the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Career Preparation and a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation outside of the traditional high school environment. 

“These pathways offer students an alternative learning environment to continue their studies, gain practical skills that they can transfer to the workplace, as well as pathways into further education,” Ms Roach said.

“This was a really successful cohort of students, with many gaining part-time or full-time employment, and a large portion enrolling in our Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) next year.

“The TPC provides students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue further education at university as well as providing a recognised Tertiary Entry Score accepted by the University Admissions Centre.”

For 15-year-old, Rohan Cooney, completing his Certificate II in Career Preparation has led to a full-time job and further study.

“I’m a very hands-on learner, so sitting in a classroom all day at school was really frustrating for me,” Rohan said.

“Studying at TAFE NSW meant that I had the flexibility to work a casual job, which then led to full-time employment at SOS Phone Repair where I’m a mobile phone technician working with my hands and doing something I enjoy every day.

“Next year I’ll be doing a Certificate III in Retail and hope to eventually move into business management.

“I would encourage anyone that is struggling in school to consider TAFE NSW as another option.”

With the support of her high school, Mya Ah Chong was able to transition to vocational education a little later than her peers and worked hard to make the most of the opportunity.

“School just wasn’t for me, but I knew immediately when I started at TAFE NSW that I had made the right choice,” Mya said.

“My teachers were able to modify the delivery of my course so that I could gain other qualifications alongside my Certificate II in Career Preparation and follow my dream of working with animals.

“I completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies and a Certificate II in Hospitality at the same time, so I’m now a step closer to becoming a professional dog trainer and can support myself by working in cafes while I continue to study.”

For more information about TAFE NSW education pathways, visit www.tafensw.edu.au