NSW Board of Studies initiatives include the following:

In Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Vocational Education and Training seven VET industry curriculum frameworks have been derived from national training packages. Each framework contains a range of industry accredited vocational courses which provide students with the opportunity to gain VET certificates or statements of attainment within the AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) and the Higher School Certificate.

Under current arrangements VET courses can contribute to the calculation of the UAI. The contribution is based on completion of the required industry competencies and a written examination set and marked by the Board of Studies and conforming to the New HSC outcomes-based standards referenced model. Framework courses are classified as Category B by the universities. This means that no more than two units from VET courses can contribute towards the calculation of the UAI.

The Stage 6 Work Studies Content Endorsed Course (CEC), which includes vocational learning and structured workplace learning through a core and optional modules, is being revised.

For 2001 the Board has approved the Stage 5 Work Education syllabus which includes vocational learning and 30 hours of structured workplace learning in an optional 100 hour course. This course assists students to gain an understanding of work and workplaces.

The Aboriginal Career Aspirations Program, a Stage 4-5 cross curriculum program focusing on the needs of Aboriginal students, is currently being piloted in 10 schools. It is designed to enhance career education and education to work opportunities for Aboriginal students. The results of the pilot and accompanying research programs will have implications for the way in which work education is approached for all students.

Government school initiatives include the following:

The school to work planning program for Years 9 and 10 assists students to develop individual school exit plans and record their work-related skills and experiences. This initiative is part of the Ready for Work Plan: School to Work Program.

Careers markets, education and employment seminars provide information to students in Years 9 —12 about post-school options.

Career and work education resources for students and teachers such as up-to-date resources on employment and training within selected industries are being developed in collaboration with key industry groups.

Practice firms simulate business organisation and operations. Through the Practice Firms program students in Years 9-12 develop a practical understanding of business through working closely with a business partner.

There are several high profile programs run by external agencies, which contribute to enterprise and career education by encouraging students to develop business skills. The best known of these programs are Australian Business Week, Young Achievement Australia’s Business Skills and A Business Enterprise.

Structured workplace learning (work placement) initiatives include:

Courses in each of the seven Industry Curriculum Framework areas have a mandatory work placement (structured work placement) component. At least one 240 hour course in each framework has a written examination option which students can choose to undertake so that the result can be included in the calculation of the UAI.

There are also other HSC VET courses available in other industry areas. These courses count as part of the HSC but do not have a mandatory work placement component.

School based part-time traineeships, as part of the New HSC, are another growing area of vocational learning available to students in NSW. Trainees engage in a contract of training and are paid for their work.