PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO STUDENT PATHWAYS TO IN-DEMAND INDUSTRIES – A VOICE FROM THE VICTORIAN PARENTS COUNCIL
In 2025, the Victorian Parliament undertook an inquiry into student pathways to in-demand industries. The Committee had received 139 submissions to the inquiry and held public hearings in November 2025. The two Peak Parent Bodies, Parents Victoria (representing Government school parents) and Victorian Parents Council (representing Non Government school parents) were invited to participate in one of these public hearings
On Wednesday, 26 November 2025 the Victorian Parents Council (VPC), contributed to the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s Inquiry into Student Pathways to In-Demand Industries. This inquiry addressed critical challenges and explored innovative solutions to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving job market. The Committee is currently drafting its final report, which is anticipated to provide key recommendations for systemic reform.
The inquiry has drawn input from a wide range of stakeholders, including educators, industry representatives, and parent organisations, such as the VPC. Our participation reaffirmed the vital role parents play in shaping their children’s career aspirations and highlighted the need for systemic improvements to ensure equitable access to in-demand career pathways.
Parents: Central to Career Conversations, Yet Under-Resourced
Parents are often the most significant influence on their children’s career decisions. However, many feel ill-equipped to guide their children due to a lack of accessible, up-to-date information about career pathways. This is particularly problematic in a rapidly changing workforce where traditional career trajectories are evolving, and new industries are emerging.
Parents have called for early, practical, and comprehensive career education that begins well before the final years of high school. Currently, career education is often introduced too late, leaving families feeling overwhelmed at critical decision points, such as subject selection. This gap disproportionately affects families in regional and rural areas, where access to resources, industry connections, and work placements is significantly limited.
Stigma Surrounding Vocational Education
One recurring theme in the inquiry was the persistent stigma surrounding vocational education and training (VET). Despite recent efforts to integrate vocational pathways into the mainstream curriculum, such as the rebranding of VCAL into the VCE Vocational Major, many parents and students still perceive university as the default “superior” pathway.
The VPC has continually advocated for ongoing education campaigns that highlight the success stories of VET graduates, provide evidence-based data on employment outcomes, and map clear pathways from vocational education to meaningful careers.
Work Experience: A Critical but Underutilised Resource
Work experience is a key pathway for exposing students to potential careers, yet many parents and students report frustration with the lack of coordination and quality in these programs. Many work experience placements are arranged at the last minute, resulting in ad-hoc and often unproductive experiences.
The VPC recommended building stronger partnerships between schools and industries to ensure high-quality, structured placements that align with students’ interests and workforce demands. Additionally, regional students face unique challenges, including limited access to local industries and inadequate transport options to reach work placements. Addressing these barriers is critical to ensuring equitable opportunities for all Victorian students.
Career Practitioners: Overworked and Underfunded
Another significant issue raised was the under-resourcing of career practitioners in schools, particularly in regional areas. Many career counsellors are forced to juggle multiple roles, leaving them with limited capacity to provide personalised guidance to students. This inconsistency in career support is a major contributor to the inequities in student pathways.
The VPC called for greater investment in career practitioners, including professional development, dedicated roles within schools, and the expansion of digital tools to supplement in-person guidance. Collaboration with Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) was also highlighted as a critical strategy for improving career support in regional areas.
Early Career Education is Key
One of the VPC’s central recommendations was the need to embed career education into the curriculum from an early age, starting as early as Years 5 and 6. Early exposure to career options, role models, and industry trends can help challenge gender stereotypes and broaden students’ aspirations. For example, introducing young girls to STEM careers or encouraging boys to consider traditionally female-dominated industries could help address workforce imbalances.
The Inquiry Continues
The extension of the inquiry reflects the complexity and significance of these issues. The Committee is now in the process of drafting its final report, which is expected to include robust recommendations to address the systemic challenges raised. The Victorian Parents Council remains committed to advocating for parents and students and looks forward to reviewing the final report and contributing to its implementation in the months ahead.
The findings of this inquiry have the potential to transform how Victorian students and their families navigate the transition from school to the workforce. The VPC will continue to work alongside schools, government, and industry to ensure that parents are empowered to support their children in achieving their career aspirations. Stay tuned for updates as this important work progresses. Together, we can open doors to in-demand industries for all Victorian students.
