July 13th, 2017

Established by the United Nations, Saturday 15 July marks World Youth Skills Day, a day highlighting the importance of youth skills development and its imperative role in developing the future economy. The global event seeks to generate greater recognition and discussion on the significance of vocational education and training (VET) and the development of other skills relevant to both local and global economies. Events occurring throughout the day give the youth of Australia the opportunity to think about developing skills for their future careers in the lead up to National Skills Week, Australia’s focal point for promotion of the VET sector.

It is important for youth to recognise vocational education and training as an equal first choice pathway, one on par with a university qualification. Practical learning can be the best way for students to gain knowledge, develop skills and follow a career they love,” says Kirstin Casey, General Manager at SkillsOne.

For todays’ youth, a secure and timely school-to-work transition, can be one of the biggest drivers of gaining stable employment and establishing future career success. Education and training are key determinants of in this success, with most careers requiring a certain set of skills before one can enter into the industry, many of which can be developed through undertaking VET courses. Connecting your passions to a career is possible with the variety of courses that are available through a quality vocational provider.

Leuwin Andrew, Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador, 2016 Australian Training Awards Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year and national VET Alumni member, pursued a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery when he was in Year 10. Going from being unsure as to which pathway he wanted to follow, to chasing a dream career, Leuwin is the perfect example of the breadth of opportunities VET has to offer.

I’d got to Year 10 and had no passion, no drive, no reason to go to school and no clue what I wanted to do. Then I heard about apprenticeships and it was the biggest thing to ever happen to me. All my life I’d love cooking, and doing a Commercial Cookery apprenticeship I could indulge something I loved and gain a qualification while at school,” says Leuwin.

Now an apprentice with the Windy Point Restaurant in Adelaide, Leuwin believes the awards and qualifications he’s gained will help broaden his career prospects in the future.

Being an ambassador for vocational education and training is an honour and a privilege. While I’m now in a great position to raise awareness of the great opportunities VET has to offer, the award will also be a great career booster for me, not just in Australia but internationally.”

SkillsOne will be showcasing VET qualifications during National Skills Week from 28 August to 3 September 2017. The national week will see Australia celebrate the endless opportunities available through vocational education and training. To organise an event, or take part on the many events that can be found, visit the National Skills Week website.

For further information on Leuwin’s story, or other inspiring career stories from the Australian Training Awards, VET Alumni Program or the Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors program, visit the Australian Training Awards website.

For more information please contact: Kirstin Casey (General Manager at SkillsOne)

Mobile: 0420 652 558 Email: kirstin.casey@skillsone.com.au

 

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