NSW Career Readiness Assessment

Does your school have a dedicated career adviser with relevant qualifications?

NSW DoE expects secondary schools to have a dedicated career adviser. Best practice is a qualified professional with a Graduate Certificate or higher in career development (CICA standards).

Does your career adviser have sufficient time allocation for career education (not shared with other duties)?

Effective career education requires dedicated time. Career advisers who also carry teaching loads or wellbeing responsibilities have less capacity for structured career programs and employer engagement.

Do you deliver a structured career learning program across Years 7 to 12?

NESA mandates career education in secondary schools. Leading practice delivers structured, developmental career learning from Year 7, not just senior school subject selection and work experience.

Is career learning integrated across subjects beyond standalone career classes?

The NSW Curriculum Reform emphasises future-focused capabilities and work-readiness across all subjects. Embedding career contexts in maths, English, and science creates deeper career awareness.

Are your VET offerings aligned with NSW Skills List priority qualifications?

The NSW Skills List identifies government-funded priority qualifications. Schools offering VET courses that align with this list give students access to subsidised training in high-demand areas.

Do students have access to structured workplace learning and SBAT opportunities?

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) provide direct employer engagement alongside the HSC. Work experience and structured workplace learning build employability skills and career clarity.

Does your school use regional workforce data (e.g., JSA employment projections) to inform pathway offerings?

Jobs and Skills Australia publishes free employment projections by region and occupation. Schools using this data can align career guidance and VET offerings to local labour market demand.

Do you track post-school outcomes for your graduates to evaluate pathway program effectiveness?

While NSW does not have a school-level On Track Survey like Victoria, schools can track their own graduate outcomes through surveys, alumni networks, and CESE research to measure pathway effectiveness.

Does your school have active partnerships with local employers for work experience and industry immersions?

Direct employer partnerships create richer career learning experiences. Schools with active industry engagement can offer meaningful work experience, guest speakers, site visits, and SBAT placements.

Do students have exposure to careers in JSA priority shortage occupations relevant to your region?

The JSA Occupation Shortage List identifies 186 occupations in shortage in NSW. Schools that connect students with employers in these areas are helping address critical workforce gaps while improving student employment prospects.