Seven Hills High School is a leading provider of school-based aviation training in NSW, delivering Certificate I in Aviation (Foundation Skills) and Certificate II in Aviation through the Vocational Innovation Centre (VIC) in partnership with TAFE NSW. As part of the Vocational High Schools Program (launched in 2023), the school offers an aviation pathway that delivers industry standard, real world training aligned to employer needs. The VIC at Seven Hills High School is the pioneer in NSW to deliver Certificate I in Aviation, positioning students at the forefront of an emerging pipeline of aviation ready talent.
Students from more than 30 Western Sydney high schools access the VIC’s facilities, with aviation classes now at full capacity due to strong parent confidence and clear employment prospects.
Program Model
The Vocational High Schools Program operates through a blended model of school-delivered VET courses and onsite training in partnership with TAFE NSW. Central to this approach is VIC, a purpose-built facility providing industry standard training environments and supporting innovative curriculum pathways for students in Years 11 and 12. The model uses the VIC to bring together schools, TAFE NSW, industry partners, businesses, associations and private training providers, with students from across Western Sydney.
Currently, 384 students are undertaking a Vocational course, either through school or TAFE, with some students also completing a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT), while studying at the VIC, this reflecting a 553% growth in enrolments at the VIC. Industry Liaison Officer Janelle Henson notes that the program aims to build “experience, skills, knowledge, confidence”, With industry actively partnering in its delivery, the program provides an employment pipeline as well.
Andrew Kerr, Deputy Principal of Skills and Pathways describe the model as “a bridge between school and adult education” emphasising that students undertake TAFE courses with a strong network of support rather than navigating the system alone.
Building on this platform, the VIC delivers aviation specific training that aligns with workforce needs through its partnership with Western Sydney Airport, ensuring programs meet employer expectations.
The school’s practical, relational learning approach gives students real world experience. Aviation qualifications provide:
- Fundamental aviation skills and knowledge
- A nationally recognised qualification
- Direct pathways to aviation employment with industry recognised skills
- Access to traineeships, further education, and employment readiness
- A competitive edge in a high growth employment sector
Early outcomes include:
- Employability skills: Andrew Kerr emphasises that “even if students don’t pursue the specific field they study, VET equips them with essential employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and the ability to work effectively with others,”.
- Pathway progression: 38% of the first cohort securing Australian apprenticeships.
- Strong student engagement: Students respond positively to hands-on learning, particularly when clear, visible pathways demonstrate how participation leads to real opportunities in specific industries This motivates the students and helps parents recognise the value of the program.
Program success is driven by a strong blended delivery model that combines school-delivered VET with high-quality, industry-standard onsite training, underpinned by genuine partnerships with TAFE NSW and employers to keep learning aligned to workforce needs. Clear, visible pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships and employment, alongside a strong support network, help sustain student engagement and build parent confidence. Success is also strengthened by proactive communication and expectation-setting about course demands and outcomes, and by deliberately addressing stigma and misconceptions so VET is understood as a rigorous, future-focused first-choice pathway.
