In an effort amplify the voices of the next generation, 12 young leaders have been selected for the NSW Government’s inaugural Skills and Pathways Advocacy and Representative Committee (SPARC).

Today, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, welcomed the SPARC members to Parliament House where he applauded their appointment and engaged in a vibrant discussion about the pressing post-school pathways that impact young people in NSW.

SPARC will offer a platform for genuine consultation and will empower young people to shape the policies, programs and initiatives to help them realise their full potential. For the first time, their unique experiences and perspectives are front and centre of decision-making processes.

During the meeting with Minister Whan, the ‘SPARC-ies’ tackled three critical issues:

Expanding training opportunities in rural, regional, and remote areas

Providing essential support for students and young people who have experienced trauma

Enhancing access to vital information about post-school pathways.

Chosen from a pool of 120 applicants, the 12 ‘SPARC-ies’ represent the diversity of young people in NSW. Aged between 17-22, they include students who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally, and linguistically diverse, living with disability or poor mental health, neurodivergent, LGBTIQ+ and/or live in rural, regional, and remote areas.

The ‘SPARC-ies’ have already contributed to the NSW VET Review, met with the Secretary of the Department of Education, and created a youth client satisfaction survey for the Get Back in the Game program participants.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“I am thrilled to have met with a group of exceptional young people from the inaugural Skills and Pathways Advocacy and Representative Committee, SPARC-ies as we like to call them.”

“Thank you for your openness in sharing your concerns and commitment to ensuring all students across NSW have access to quality education and work opportunities.”

“The NSW Government is committed to making a difference to the lives of young people and learners, regardless of where they live, their experiences with trauma and the disadvantages they face. Our investment in post-school pathways is key to driving social and economic betterment for our everyone.”

“Make sure you watch this space because these young people will go on to spark change wherever they go.”