National Skills Week 2022

Welcome to National Skills Week

National Skills Week is dedicated to raising the profile and status of vocational learning dispelling outdated myths and showcasing the attractive career opportunities for all Australians.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) has been the foundation of Australia’s strong and vibrant economy. It has produced industry leaders, it offers great diversity, new and exciting career paths, supports our resources and primary industries, builds our cities, supports our tourism, our monuments, our heritage and much, much more.

This years theme is A Universe of Skills: Go Beyond Your Imagination

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Spotlight

Spotlight on National Skills Week

Hospitality worker shortages hard to swallow

Media Releases
August 15th, 2022

Hospitality roles slow to fill despite the industry comeback. National Skills Week’s Chairman Brian Wexham says hospitality employment opportunities have been slow to fill so far this year despite Australian border restrictions being loosened and the industry recovering. Mr Wexham said: “The hospitality industry is incredibly diverse and Australian consumers have embraced the growing ‘foodie’...

The Benefits of Apprenticeships and Traineeships

News and media
August 13th, 2022

If you’re in year 10, 11 or 12, you might be sick of hearing career advice coming at you from all sides. We get it! Everyone’s got their opinions and they’ve just got to tell you about it. Far be it for us to tell you what to do. We’re just gonna lay out some...

Manufacturing Skills Forum

News and media
August 6th, 2022

Save the date this August 17th for IBSA Group’s Manufacturing Skills Forum. The Australian manufacturing sector is facing a skills crisis that threatens to hold back manufacturing growth and sovereign capability. This forum discusses learnings and insights from around the world to tangibly enable industry, governments and stakeholders to progress the skills debate and realise the...

National Skills Week E-News, August 2022

Newsletters
August 10th, 2022

National Skills Week is this month! Read inspiring career stories and don’t forget to register your event. CLICK HERE to read our August newsletter.

Mining worker shortages could slow mineral exports delay climate change agenda

Media Releases
August 11th, 2022

WA mining and resource sector alone could need as many as 40,000 more workers by mid-2023. National Skills Week’s Chairman Brian Wexham notes that Australia’s mining industry was responsible for 10.4 percent of GDP between 2019 and 2020, making it the single largest contributor to the national economy. Australia’s minerals production remained robust in 2021,...

The skills, jobs and careers of the future that do not yet exist

News and media
August 16th, 2022

Author: Cara Jenkin We all know that computers and automation will play a big role in the jobs of tomorrow. But the future is not as computerised as it may seem. For each job or task taken over by a computer, automation or artificial intelligence, workers will be needed to operate the computer or...

Energise your career: the enormous job opportunities in clean energy

News and media
August 10th, 2022

As part of National Skills Week the Clean Energy Council are running a forum on the enormous job opportunities available in clean energy. Over the next 30 years, a vast number of new wind and solar farms, batteries, rooftop solar installations, and hydro projects will need to be built to meet Australia’s growing demand for...

Human Services Job Boom!

News and media
August 8th, 2022

Australia’s Human Services sector needs diverse, skilled, values-driven and adaptable workers – now and in the future. Findings from the latest Human Services Sector Organisation (HSSO) report have revealed the changing nature of individuals, and their demand for more personalised care and support, the shifting market forces of an ageing population and the need for...

Digital skills lead the way for careers of the future

News and media
August 12th, 2022

Author: Cara Jenkin From TikTok to Netflix, autonomous cars to surgical robots – technology is playing an increasingly important role in our lives. Behind every video shared on social media, and computerised medical tool that helps us live longer and healthier lives, is a worker with the digital skills to create it. The digital...

Retail sector facing major labour shortage

Media Releases
August 9th, 2022

Over 40,000 retail positions remain unfilled. National Skills Week’s Chairman Brian Wexham has pointed out a major labour shortage in the retail sector is making it harder for this large employer to flourish and provide the quality service experiences expected by today’s customers. Mr Wexham said: “Australian retailers simply can’t find enough staff be they...

Get Involved in 2022. Join in the celebrations!

Video Gallery
April 1st, 2022

National Skills Week 2022 theme- A Universe of Skills: Go beyond your imagination. Discover careers, pathways and opportunities in skills and Vocational Education that you may not know about, thought about or even imagined. Careers in emerging industries and areas , new technology , future skills and jobs. Lets explore! August 22 to 28th...

Career Stories

Take a look at some success stories from the VET Alumni.

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Troy Harris2021 NSW Apprentice of the Year

"I discovered my strengths, worked on my weaknesses and developed my passions."

Harrison Sanders2021 SA Apprentice of the Year

"I want to be the positive influence that can guide and inform students to being successful and valuable members of society."

Kasey Hardy2021 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

For Kasey, a traineeship offered the perfect opportunity to work in the real world. Kasey chose the resources sector to learn more about natural gas extraction, particularly about its impact on the environment and, through another traineeship, is now continuing her Workplace Health and Safety studies.

Mitchell Pogan2021 QLD Trainee of the Year

Mitchell Pogan wanted to find a career opportunity that would allow him to remain close to his home town of Miles QLD, while undertaking work that allowed him to give back to this rural community.

Hannah Holford2021 Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Hannah completed the Certificate III in Individual Support with Quest Training Solutions. She is employed by the Australian Training Company and has undertaken her work placement at Carey Gardens, in association with Baptist Care.

Rachael Kelly2021 SA School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

"I hope to turn this traineeship into full-time employment and one day perhaps own a local real estate business."

Courtney Simone Short2021 WA School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

Throughout her school life at Mercy College, Courtney assumed that she would complete a university pathway. Then at an information night in Year 10, she heard about the success of a Year 12 student who was completing a School-based Apprenticeship.

Sophie Russell2021 TAS Apprentice of the Year

After commencing a Carpentry apprenticeship as a school leaver, Sophie knew this was the profession for her. Sophie believes that having a can-do positive attitude, coupled with a willing to give anything a crack, continues to grow her success.

Kevin Wilson2021 WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year

Growing up a Wongai man in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, Kevin has always been interested in art and design—although early on, his outlet was graffiti. After a few too many run-ins with the police, however he realised he needed to find a better way to express his creative talents.

Samantha Daly 2021 Australian Training Awards Vocational Student of the Year

Samantha applied to study the dual Certificate IV in Mental Health and Mental Health Peer Work with Swinburne University of Technology in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep across the world. She had lost her job like many Victorians, however Samantha used this moment as an opportunity to reflect on what she truly wanted in life.

Kat Haag2015 WA Vocational Student of the Year

It is not a typical scenario for a Year 11 'dropout' to become a 'compulsive student' later in life, but Katherine Haag is not your typical student.
A finalist in the Australian Training Awards Vocational Student of the Year Award in 2015, Katherine has completed seven vocational education and training (VET) qualifications.

Erin Jacob2021 NSW VET/Teacher Trainer of the Year

"By passing on my industry knowledge and skills, I get to make a difference in student’s lives every single day. I am able to guide them on the many pathways VET offers."

Gypsy Rose Blackberry2021 TAS Vocational Student of Year

"VET gave me the opportunity to discover a career pathway I'm highly passionate and dedicated about. I was able to complete my studies flexibly while working part-time and this really helped in my success."

David Lowery2021 TAS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

David chose to study Certificate IV in Forest Operations when he was working in the forest industry as a supervisor. Training helped him understand more about his position and the way he could improve the way he worked in all aspects of the industry, from safety to the management of workers.

Kirsty Potter2018 Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award Finalist

"My traineeship has been one of the best decisions I have made for both my career and my life. I found a place where I could study in a way that fit my personality, without having to leave the workforce. I learned so many skills that have helped me through my life and I am so grateful for the qualifications and career I now have."

Savanne Canobie 2021 Australian Apprentice of the Year

Savanne has completed her Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician qualification at Rio Tinto Gove Operations in North East Arnhem Land.

Stuart Rimmington2021 SA VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year

"If I can impact one student’s future career the way my lecturers shaped mine, I will be able to retire knowing I’ve done something worthy."

Video Gallery

Watch videos from our video library

More to Mining...!

Video Gallery
August 8th, 2022

Mining contributes so much to modern life in Australia and across the world. Check out this 30 Things Guide to Everyday Items made possible by Australia’s world-class mining industry! Share this with your students, and discover more about this booming industry this National Skills Week. For more information visit the Minerals Council of Australia.

The Digi-Toolbox - Digital upskilling has never been so important!

Video Gallery
July 14th, 2022

Digital upskilling has never been so important. The Digital Skills Organisation (DSO) have launched the Digi-Toolbox to close the national digital skills gap and improve digital capability for all. Employers can use the tools, which include an assessment, to understand the digital skills status of their own organisations or allow individuals to gain a better...

Empowering Women in Trades

Video Gallery
July 28th, 2022

Apprenticeship Support Australia are working to foster important conversations around women in trades. Supporting more women in pursuing an apprenticeship in trades will not just benefit your business, but also the wider society as a whole – because when individuals do well, the communities around them also thrive. The video below follows the career journey...

Brick and Block Careers Ambassador - Cory Smith

Video Gallery
August 4th, 2022

Hear from Cory Smith (Brick and Block Careers Ambassador) about his passion for the trade! If you are looking for a career in the building and construction industry – Now is the time to get started! Get started – explore your options through Brick and Block Careers.