TOURS AND EVENTS

There are two campuses: Mount Druitt and Emu Plains.

Students commencing in Years 10 and 11 who are seeking a different approach to schooling. It is particularly suited to those who are looking to get into a trade or have a specific career in mind and want to tailor their education to suit that goal.

Enrol today

Students can access a range of learning options that will be supported by professional mentoring, exciting industry partnerships, work placements and recognised qualifications. Students have the opportunity to attain their NSW HSC, do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, complete VET courses and industry-specific training.

Our students choose from one of two pathways:

1. Trade
2. Inquiry

Learn more about CathWest

We are leaders in the field of Vocational Education (Gold recipient of the Innovation in VET Award 2022, Australia Training Awards). The Trade Pathway offered at CathWest draws on the knowledge, experience and expertise we have developed at our Trade Training Centres over the last 10+ years. All students have a mentor for guidance and support. Our learning spaces and technical equipment resemble contemporary workplaces and align to industry standards. Our state-of-the-art facilities even include a family playgroup, hairdressing facility and student-run cafe open to the community.

How does the Trade Pathway work?

Students at CathWest technically begin in the Trade Pathway in Year 11, however students in Year 10 can start with our Trade readiness program, full of learning tasks aimed at giving them the skills they will need to succeed in their chosen vocation. Students who choose the Trade Pathway have many options available to them in that learning framework, depending on what they want to achieve and where their interests lie - their pathway is customisable.

Students are able to:

• start a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship
• get a NSW HSC
• work towards Certificate II/III qualifications
• undertake Business Services training to gain skills and knowledge to run their own business
• build the foundational knowledge required to kickstart a future career.

Learn more about the Trade Pathway

At CathWest we realise that many students become aware of their passions and potential career interests during the early years of high school. What we also recognise is that some students need the time and facilities to focus on these interests and explore more deeply opportunities associated with these pathways. We ensure that students undertake learning packages that cater to this exploration where the learning is flexible, student-driven and focused on investigations and solutions that apply to current industry contexts. We work with our students to deliver learning that’s just right for them.

How does the Inquiry Pathway work?

Students at CathWest can begin the Inquiry Pathway at the commencement of Years 10, 11 or 12, completing learning tasks that are aimed at preparing them for their future and giving them the skills they will need to succeed in their chosen vocation. Students who choose the Inquiry Pathway have many options available to them in the learning framework, depending on what they want to achieve and where their interests lie – their pathway is customisable.

Students are able to:

• Gain work experience within industries that align to their specific interests
• Partner with industry mentors
• Work towards Certificate II/III qualifications
• Undertake Business Services training to gain skills and knowledge to run their own business.

Learn more about the Inquiry pathway