Strengthening career pathways for youth

DONN DAVIS

CAREERS today don’t look like they used to. There isn’t a single “right” pathway anymore nor is there one moment at 16 or 18 that determines everything.

That’s why it’s more important than ever before that students, parents and teachers understand the options, know where the opportunities are and build the skills that will open doors.

The Careers of Today event hosted by CathWest Innovation College in conjunction with WEXPO does exactly that.

The possibilities are endless for young students however there is a clear disconnect between the training and career pathways available and how to access that information.

Careers of Today is endeavouring to bridge this gap and the feedback from parents and students in attendance is that they are succeeding.

While there are great training opportunities for students, often it is difficult to navigate the most appropriate pathway for the individual student.

Students seeking an apprenticeship journey can access it in different ways – including through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, School to TAFE NSW pathways and vocational education while still at school. 

Apprenticeships and traineeships are also fee-free in NSW – part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in practical pathways that allow people to earn while they learn and build skills our economy needs.

Fee-free training is delivering real job opportunities, with more than 306,000 NSW Fee-Free enrolments since 2023 and major new investments to keep skills training accessible.

In our efforts to provide impactful career guidance, it is critical that we direct young people to careers connected to the industries where there are strong job opportunities.

CathWest is proactively strengthening industry connections through its participation in the Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships program.

This ensures they are delivering strong vocational education pathways that equip students with practical, job-ready skills and clear transitions into employment or further training.

It was a pleasure to be a part of Careers of Today 2026 where young people could hear directly from employers and educators about their lived experience, industry need and opportunities to pursue careers many students and their parents may never have even known exist.

From AI and Technology, Construction, Early Childhood Education to the Health and Care Sector – the possibilities are endless.

As the Member for Parramatta, I encourage our youth to seek out the vocational training pathways and career opportunities that marry up with jobs growth to make sure that students in our community have every chance to enter the careers we need to build a better NSW.

DONNA DAVIS is NSW Member for Parramatta and the moderator for the May Careers of Today event in Parramatta.