Gaining a good ATAR mark is the goal for many of the thousands of Illawarra students currently doing the HSC exams.
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TAFE NSW regional general manager, Jonathan Davis though has moved to ease some of the pressure on HSC students.
Mr Davis has reminded students there are a range of TAFE degrees that don't require an ATAR.
He highlighted the TAFE NSW Early Entry Program, whereby HSC students can apply for entry to study a TAFE degree, without an ATAR.
"By allowing students to apply for entry to a degree before receiving an ATAR, the TAFE NSW Early Entry Program gives students and their families some much-needed peace of mind," Mr Davis said.
"Early entry to TAFE NSW degrees allows students to get ahead of the pack and focus on answering exam questions rather than agonising over whether or not they will receive an offer for tertiary studies from other providers."
Offering flexibility to students, TAFE degrees could also be done online through TAFE Digital.
Mr Davis said there were a host of great reasons for high school graduates to consider studying a degree or diploma through TAFE.
"The evidence is clear; vocational-based courses typically lead to higher incomes than university graduates are likely to earn. TAFE NSW graduates are likely to be earning more, earlier in their career, than an equivalent university graduate," he said.
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"University students are switching to TAFE NSW to obtain practical, hands-on qualifications and degrees that employers recognise.
"It is important for school leavers to consider TAFE NSW as a viable 'Plan A' as opposed to struggling through university."