Industry engagement from an early age is helping more young people discover career opportunities in transport and logistics, according to insights shared during a recent visit to the Vocational Innovation Centre (VIC) at Seven Hills High School.
Industry Skills Australia Industry Engagement Manager for Transport and Logistics, Chris Greentree, recently toured the specialist vocational high school, which combines secondary education with industry-connected training delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, industry employers, associations and private training providers.
The centre offers a range of programs designed to provide students with practical skills and clear pathways into employment, including Supply Chain Taster Programs that introduce students to the industry before progressing into formal qualifications. Students can then enrol in courses to support further skill development including the Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations, Certificate II in Aviation (Ground Operations & Service) and Certificate I in Aviation (Stage 5).
A key takeaway from the visit was the important role industry partnerships play in connecting education with workforce needs.
According to VIC Deputy Principal Andrew Kerr, many young people have limited awareness of the diverse career opportunities available across the transport supply chain industries. To address this challenge, the centre has adopted an early engagement strategy that introduces students to vocational pathways long before they enter secondary school.
The VIC regularly collaborates with local primary schools and hosts visits designed to expose younger students to vocational learning environments and potential career pathways.
This approach helps students gain a better understanding of available opportunities while building confidence and aspirations before key subject and career decisions are made.
The model demonstrates how collaboration between schools, training providers and industry can help address workforce challenges by creating clear and visible pathways into sectors experiencing ongoing skills demand.
For the transport supply chain industries, initiatives such as the VIC highlight the value of increasing career awareness at an earlier age, ensuring students understand the breadth of opportunities available across the aviation, maritime, rail and transport and logistics sectors.
As industry continues to focus on attracting the next generation of workers, programs that combine practical learning, employer engagement and early career exposure are likely to play an increasingly important role in strengthening future workforce pipelines.
To learn more about Industry Skills Australia’s workforce development projects and initiatives supporting the transport supply chain industries, visit our Project Page
