The five EPPP Head Teachers-Careers were dealt a tough blow when the pandemic hit in 2020. Coordinating the diaries of students, training providers and employers is a challenging task at the best of times, but with COVID-19 restrictions limiting their options, the job became more complicated. Nevertheless, the Head Teachers-Careers pressed ahead and found some innovative ways to work through the restrictions.

Last November, Rose Vujcic hosted a business breakfast at Wests Leagues Club in south-west Sydney to introduce local businesses to the EPPP. The employers in attendance gained a good understanding of the pilot and how they could benefit by becoming involved. With COVID restrictions putting the kibosh on external visitors to schools, the business breakfast also served as a great way to introduce employers to some students from the Campbelltown Cluster of schools who are thriving in their SBATs.

Looking ahead, the Head Teachers-Careers are all hopeful that the easing of COVID restrictions will allow for more engagement with industry. Among other things, the teachers we surveyed are looking forward to:

• Building on the successful ‘Tradie Talk’ program
  

• Hosting employers and industry representatives on site at school
  

• Expanding partnerships with local businesses
  

• Evolving work readiness and SBAT preparation programs
  

• Inviting industry to participate in regular lessons (eg. TAS and hospitality classes)
  

• Engaging more with parents and families, and
  

• Creating more opportunities for targeted students.
  

It’s an ambitious To-Do list, but Alison Hughes, Leader Senior Pathways, Education and Skills Reform is confident the teachers can pull it off.

“The Head Teachers-Careers achieved some remarkable things last year, despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic. I have no doubt that they’ll be able to engage even more students in vocational pathways this year, particularly if COVID restrictions around schools continue to ease.”

Read more about the Head Teachers-Careers team on their initiative page.