On Wednesday 6 April 2022, Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens was welcomed at his alma mater, Newcastle High School - one of the 145 high schools now taking part in the expanded Educational Pathways Program.

Designed to improve education and career outcomes for students in NSW public high schools, Newcastle High School has embraced the program with new industry partnerships and teaching resources leading to an uptake in School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeships (SBATs).

Minister for Skills and Training Alistair Henskens said the program is helping to broker relationships between schools and local employers and industries, which can lead to jobs and further training for students in year 10, 11, and 12.

The visit created a full circle moment for Minister Henskens, returning to the high school he attended. While encouraging students to plan for a positive future, Minister Henskens was able to take a moment to reflect on the past. The staff and students at Newcastle High School shared yearbooks and photo albums that included a young Alister Henskens, full-face beard and all!

After taking a tour of the school, the students had the opportunity to share their thoughts and views on the Educational Pathways Program, and discuss the vocational education and training (VET) pathways they were considering pursuing.

Today, Newcastle High School students are completing SBATs in a diverse range of industries, including business, supply chain management, and health.

Health is a major employer in Newcastle, the economic hub of the Hunter Valley, with two students who were present during the visit being enrolled in a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care).

SBAT enrolments at Newcastle High School have been trending upwards over the past few years, with the support of additional resources and the guidance from the Head Teacher Careers and an SBAT Engagement Officer, the program will continue to excel.