Media release

The need for alternative pathways is significant. While the NSW Year 7/8 to Year 12 retention rate rose slightly in 2024 to 74.5 per cent, ABS data shows around one in four students still leave school before completing Year 12. For many, TAFE NSW offers a second chance to re-engage with education in a flexible, adult learning environment.

Thomas Rixon, 20, enrolled in the Certificate II in Pathways to Further Study before going on to the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (TPC) after struggling in high school.

“I faced a lot of bullying and loneliness. What I hated most was how caged I felt,” Thomas said.

“The work felt like a chore because it was forced on you, and exploring your own interests was almost impossible. Even when you wanted to learn, it was hard because you were constantly dealing with immature kids who didn’t want to be there and caused havoc in the classroom.”

Studying at TAFE NSW helped Thomas re-engage with learning and build a springboard for future success.

This year he will begin a Bachelor of Arts at the Australian National University, focusing on philosophy, sociology, gender studies and German.

“The people at TAFE wanted to be there. It was more mature, there was no bullying or social games. You were there with a purpose. Teachers weren’t wrangling eight kids who hated being there, so everyone could actually get support,” Thomas said.

“Studying at high school and TAFE NSW were night and day for me. I feel like I learned almost nothing in high school - I just went through the motions and nothing stuck. At TAFE NSW I was actually learning.”

With the demand for post-school qualifications growing, the Jobs and Skills Report 2025 forecasts more than 90 per cent of new jobs created by 2035 will require post-school education or training, including university degrees and vocational education and training (VET).

TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read said the VET provider’s HSC and tertiary preparation courses are designed to give students a trusted route to further study.

“We are proud to provide a flexible alternative pathway that works for students who have the potential to thrive outside a traditional school environment,” she said.

“With higher-skilled jobs being the engine room of Australia’s future workforce, these courses ensure students are not left behind. TAFE NSW helps them build confidence, gain the knowledge and skills they need, and take their next step toward university or employment.”

Ms Read said stories like Thomas’ demonstrate TAFE NSW’s role in widening access to tertiary education.

“Some students need a second chance, others need flexibility, and some simply thrive in an adult learning environment,” she said. “TAFE NSW exists to meet learners where they are, and the outcomes speak for themselves.”

Thomas said, “I’m ecstatic to be going to university. It’s unimaginable how much my life changed in such a short time - quite literally from hopeless to hopeful in a year.”

“I’ve found I really love the academic ideal - learning, mutual support, cross-disciplinary work, all in the pursuit of progress.

“Through my journey, I’ve learned you’re not stupid because you flopped school. You aren’t limited in what you can become, no matter when you dropped out.”

Media contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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