Connecting classroom to career: How EPP initiatives drive attendance and engagement

The strongest indicator of a student’s future success is their engagement with education. Across the state, the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) demonstrates that when students see a clear link between school and their future career, school attendance and engagement lifts significantly. Feedback from our dedicated head teacher careers (HTC) network highlights the profound, real-world impact that targeted EPP initiatives have on student outcomes.

Swift action is key

Early intervention is vital for re-engaging students at risk of drifting away from traditional schooling. In the Northern Beaches region, Head Teacher Careers Matt Dolan recently ran a Job Readiness Workshop at St Ives High School. Following the workshop, school staff reported a remarkable shift, noting increased attention and a strong reconnection with school among the two small groups of participants.

This newfound focus has driven higher attendance, particularly among the female students, and motivated participants to engage in TAFE NSW Start Your Future initiatives and careers expos. One participant has already successfully transitioned into a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) pathway.

Tailored support makes a huge difference

For students managing educational challenges, the department’s coordinated support can be life-changing. Michelle Hope from Illawarra North shared the journey of a student experiencing severe challenges at school refusal.

The EPP team arranged a placement in a TAFE NSW Start Your Future course, supported closely by the student’s mother. This critical stepping stone led to the Back in the Game initiative. Today, the student has successfully completed a Certificate II qualification, transforming disengagement into tangible achievement.

The power of vocational learning is also vividly on display in regional NSW. At Wee Waa High School, Head Teacher Careers Rachael Shearer is rightly very proud of the Year 10 RoSA@Work students she’s working with and who all demonstrate strong growth in careers education.

A recent workplace visit with 3 students – Tyren, Isla and Lexii – yielded glowing feedback from employers and revealed significant attendance improvements from 2025 to 2026:

• Tyren’s attendance lifted from 32% to 85%, and he is positioned for an automotive apprenticeship in 2027
• Isla is at school 94% of the time compared to 74% last year.
• Lexii is at school on 97% of occasions, up from 84% in 2025.

Both Isla and Lexii have been offered SBATs for 2027.

These stories show that by providing practical pathways, the EPP gives students a compelling reason to show up, engage and succeed.