High School students launch future careers in tech

High school students across the State will kick-start their future tech careers, thanks to new virtual TAFE courses on offer for students to study as part of the HSC.
Cyber Security, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Game Design are just some of the 20 new courses students can study from next year under the Schools Launchpad program.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to future-proofing the State’s workforce and meeting skills shortages in the technology sector.
“These cutting-edge courses are already garnering strong interest from students right across the State,” Mr Lee said.
“In the virtual Game Design course, students will learn to create concepts, design 2D and 3D digital animations, and write code using industry-standard game engines.
“We know there is a huge demand in NSW for tech talent, the role of Game Designer alone is set to grow by 25 per cent in the next five years.”
The courses have come at the right time, with the Computer System Design and Related Services sector in NSW forecast to grow by 10,300 jobs over the next three years.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the courses were providing high school students with more options in in-demand industries as thousands of students begin to select their HSC subjects.
“The Launchpad is part of the NSW Government’s Curriculum Reform in schools, which is building strong foundations for primary students and creating job opportunities for our senior students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These students will graduate high school with not only their HSC but a qualification they can translate straight into paid employment as soon as they finish Year 12.”
Managing Director of Microsoft Australia Steven Worrall said the courses provide students with the skills the industry demands.
“These virtual TAFE courses will help students develop the skills required to thrive in the digital age, an age where technology will underpin every industry and where tech talent is in huge demand.”
Students who complete the virtual courses will graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification that forms part of their HSC and contributes to an ATAR.
Expressions of Interest are now open for all Schools Launchpad courses. Students can express their interest via their school Career Counsellors.
For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/launchpad.