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Pathways to further education and employment for country students

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While completing their SACE, students in country schools can explore a range of pathway options to further their education and employment including:

  • continuing their further education through university
  • vocational education and training (VET), as part of a Flexible Industry Program
  • school-based apprenticeships or traineeships.

Advice and support for students

The   Student Pathways and Careers’ Schools Support Service provides advice, guidance and support to leaders in regional schools on career education and pathways. This includes access to a Pathways Advisor or Disability Transition Advisor.

Specialist schools and programs like the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) can also help students identify their interests and strengths to help them decide on their future.

Flexible industry programs to employment, further education or training

A Flexible Industry Program (FIP) is a comprehensive learning program designed by schools in South Australia to provide students with a pathway to entry-level employment. The FIP is endorsed by industry and includes a combination of:

  • vocational education and training
  • customised South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) curriculum
  • additional industry specific requirements
  • mentoring and support to help students succeed in their chosen career.

They develop secondary students’ skills, knowledge and experience in areas that are most valued by employers. Students are better prepared for real-word jobs in key growth industries across metropolitan and country SA.

Flexible industry programs include VET qualifications at Certificate II and III level and enterprise and employability skills training delivered through SACE.

The flexible industry programs include:

FIPs are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant. Students can explore the FIPs and opportunities to connect with local employers through the Student Pathways website.

For more information visit pathways to further education and employment.

Technical Colleges in country South Australia

The department will build 5 new technical colleges in South Australia, including 2 in Port Augusta and Mount Gambier.

The learning programs at each technical college will support the skills and employment needs of the region.

For more information see:


South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA)

SAASTA provides Aboriginal high school students with a unique curriculum based educational program.

The academy is offered in a large number of country schools in all regions across the state. SAASTA Connect is delivered to students in years 7 to 9 and school based academies for SACE students in years 10, 11 and 12.

SAASTA builds on the education offered in schools, giving students opportunities for:

  • highly engaging learning and personal development
  • ongoing personal growth and cultural experience.

Find out more about the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy.

The Workabout Centre

The Workabout Centre Program is an innovative, integrated model for connecting Aboriginal youth with pathways that lead to sustainable employment. These include pathways to post-secondary training, higher education and others.

The Workabout Centre model engages Aboriginal young people in education and employment pathways and builds relationships between education providers, industry, Aboriginal communities and other organisations. By doing this, it helps both the student and their school access a  range of industry-based learning.

For more information visit Workabout Centre for Aboriginal Students on the department’s website.

Student Pathways and Careers

8226 0284

Education.pathways@sa.gov.au