Pathways
Cromer Campus
Our Pathways strategy aims to help students explore, plan and prepare for their post-school future with confidence.
The aim of the Pathways strategy at Cromer Campus is for every student to develop a clear pathway plan before they leave school, whatever that may look like to the individual. Our purpose is to support students through their Stage 6 transition, as well as explore, plan and prepare students for their post-school future with confidence.
Students at our school are supported to make informed decisions about their future through initiatives such as Year 9 and 10 Career education classes, Year 11 and 12 Pathways workshops, parent information sessions, personalised 1:1 Pathway Interviews with students and families, attending careers expos, work experience opportunities and access to tailored immersion days.
We guide students to explore university, vocational training (TAFE, EVET/Start Your Future), school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs), and employment pathways. By providing relevant information, real-world experiences and personalised guidance, our Pathways Program helps students identify their strengths, set meaningful goals and successfully transition beyond school.
Cromer Campus is proud to be part of the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) which provides our students with unique access to external support staff, additional resources, immersion days and course opportunities. This ensures that our students have access to sound advice, great training pathways and rewarding work opportunities.
Pathways Team
- Mrs L Tavita (HT SS - Pathways)
- Ms F Bird (Careers Adviser)
- Mrs B Haroutonian (VET Coordinator)
Educational Pathways Program opportunities
University
We actively prepare our students for university pathways through comprehensive career education and strong partnerships with tertiary institutions. Students interested in this pathway engage with university guest speakers, early entry application workshops, university open days, and are provided with regular updates on upcoming opportunities.
Our program ensures students receive accurate information, meaningful exposure, and direct support as they transition into tertiary education.
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)
SBATs give students the best of both worlds, the opportunity to complete their HSC while gaining a nationally recognised VET qualification. Students attend paid employment one or two days per week, building real-world skills, industry experience and professional networks while still at school.
There are many advantages to studying as a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship with TAFE NSW, such as:
- earn while you learn
- gain practical industry experience, nationally recognised training and your HSC
- progress to the second year of an apprenticeship after finishing school (school-based apprentice only).
- gain at least 2 units of credit towards your HSC, with the potential for more through an industry-based learning course.
- complete a minimum of 100 days of paid work or as specified in the relevant Vocational Training Order
- generally work one day per week, as negotiated between your school, employer, parents or carers and TAFE NSW
- undertake regular formal training with TAFE NSW.
All SBAT opportunities must be discussed and approved by the Careers Adviser prior to commencement. Students must be assessed as suitable, with final approval granted by the Principal. SBATs usually begin between Term 2, Year 10 and Term 1, Year 11.
Vocational Education Training (VET)
VET courses help students prepare for further education, training, employment and lifelong learning. From Year 9, students can study VET courses at school, or through TAFE NSW or other training providers.
Students are encouraged to speak with the VET Coordinator, VET Teacher, Year Adviser, or Careers Adviser before selecting a course. This will ensure they understand the requirements and that the course aligns with their individual needs, knowledge, and skills.
Delivered at School
VET
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are offered to Stage 6 as part of the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
VET courses are designed to deliver workplace specific skills and knowledge and cover a wide range of careers and industries. VET courses for secondary students are developed by NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) and are based on national training packages.
Cromer Campus offers:
- Hospitality - Food and Beverage
- Entertainment
- Sports Coaching
Delivered offsite
EVET
Externally Delivered VET program offers students from years 9-12 a range of VET courses developed or endorsed by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and delivered by approved registered training organisations (RTOs) external to the school. All courses can contribute to the Record of Student Achievement (RoSA) or the HSC, as well as lead to the award of a nationally recognised VET qualification.
TVET
TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training offers practical and industry-specific skills to students in years 9-12 whilst completing their studies at school. Stage 6 TVET courses count towards your HSC, with some contributing towards your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Courses cover diverse fields and act as a direct pathway to apprenticeships, further education, or immediate employment.
Externally delivered Vocational Education and Training (EVET) information.
View the guide.
Get a head start while still at school with a TAFE delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course.
View the guide.
Start Your Future
This initiative introduces students to a TAFE-style learning setting and exposes them to vocational education in an area they are considering for future study and/or work. Most suitable for Years 9 and 10, these short courses usually involve attending a TAFE NSW campus one day per week over a number of weeks. Offerings range from year to year, with courses such as Hair & Beauty, Automotive, Electrotechnology, IT & Cyber Security, Early Childhood Education, Nursing and Carpentry.
Work Experience
- Students must be 14 or older to take part.
- You can try almost any job if it's not on the prohibited list and a host employer is available.
- Up to 20 school days of work experience are allowed each school year (not in one block). Time at work counts as a school day, not an absence.
- Once forms are complete, students are covered by NSW Department of Education insurance.
- Placements must be during school days – weekends and holidays are not allowed unless exceptional circumstances and pre-approved by the principal.
- For construction placements, students must complete a White Card (Construction Induction Course).
At Cromer Campus, every Year 10 student has the opportunity to participate in at least one week of structured work experience. Held at the end of Terms 2 and 4, this program allows students to step beyond the classroom and into real workplaces aligned with their interests and future goals.
Students are responsible for seeking and arranging their own placement, building initiative, communication skills and independence in the process. This is a major focus of the Year 10 Careers program, where all policies, procedures and expectations are clearly explained and students are supported step-by-step through the process. During their placement, students observe industry professionals, experience day-to-day operations and, where appropriate, participate in supervised tasks that match their skills and abilities.
Work Experience empowers students to:
- Connect classroom learning to real-world careers
- Apply their skills in an authentic work environment
- Explore industries and test potential career pathways
- Understand workplace expectations and professional standards
- Identify future study, training or employment options
- Make informed subject selections and career decisions
- Develop independence, resilience and confidence
Following the compulsory Year 10 placement, students may apply for additional work experience opportunities to explore different industries or deepen experience in a chosen field. Where it aligns with a student’s individual Pathway Plan, work experience can also be arranged on an ad hoc basis throughout Years 10–12 to further support their career development.
At Cromer Campus, we believe meaningful career exploration starts with real-world experience.
