High schools career advisers, teachers and principals across St George and Sutherland Shire can take part in a virtual event this week to equip them with up-to-date information about school-based and post-HSC options at TAFE NSW.
The TAFE NSW Career Adviser Day on Thursday will bring together hundreds of career influencers from across NSW in a virtual format.
A TAFE spokeswoman said that with jobs changing rapidly as new technologies were introduced, coupled with workplace challenges caused by COVID-19 restrictions, there had never been a more important time to provide school leavers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their future.
TAFE NSW regional general manager Vicky Mazzeo said moving to an online format had resulted in a doubling of registrations for the event, compared with last year.
"COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges to school students and it's crucial to facilitate access to information about how they can access world-class skills training," she said.
"While university may be a viable option for some, it's important that vocational education and training is considered a 'plan A' for school leavers to pursue careers in areas that they are passionate about."
The virtual event will focus on forecasted employment opportunities, courses, university pathways and support services.
The Australian Government's Job Outlook found there would be more jobs in industries where employment had grown strongly in recent years, including healthcare, social assistance, professional, scientific and technical services, education and training, and construction.
Ms Mazzeo said TAFE was committed to ensuring pathways for students from high school to vocational education and university was as easy as possible.
"School students need access to better and easier-to-navigate educational pathways, and a wider range of options when it comes to their post-school education - whether that's university, TAFE, private training providers, or all three," she said.
"The education sector has a role to play in making sure no matter where students are in life, their eyes are opened up to new career directions and can pursue the option which best suits them."
Career advisers and counsellors can register for day by phoning 131 601 or click here.