August 18 marks the 10-day count-down to National Skills Week, Australia’s pinnacle week for celebrating vocational education and training (VET).  Celebrated across the country on 28 August- 03 September, the week promotes the many varied pathways available through apprenticeships, traineeships, and vocational learning.

“National Skills Week is, a week in which we celebrate the achievements of vocational learners across the country. Vocational Education and Training Alumni represent the best in the VET sector, and it is their career success stories we highlight during National Skills Week,” said Kirstin Casey, General Manger at SkillsOne.

Breeanna Folley runner-up Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island of the Year at the 2015 Australian Training Award has demonstrated great success in her vocational pathway.

Breeanna began her career journey as a casual employee at KFC Australia as a teenager, while completing her high school studies. It was here at KFC, that Breeanna identified the opportunity for career progression, and after graduating school Breanna decided to stay on with KFC and undertake a traineeship in the position of Assistant Restaurant Manager.

Breeanna is an advocate of the vocational system, recommending the traineeships process to other young students, “I would recommend a traineeship process to everyone, you are only going to gain from it, there is nothing to lose,” said Breeanna.

KFC’s registered training organisation has given Breeanna knowledge of the retail industry and provided training in specific aspects that relate to her role.  Her training utilised both online web based training components and off the job training in a classroom settings, with a focus on modules such as recruitment and training, customer trends, profit and sales and people development.

 “It gave me the confidence to speak with people and interact in my community,” said Breeanna of her training at KFC.

Breanna is an active member in her community and church, and has great interest in her professional development.  The skills that Breeanna learnt at KFC, lead her to apply and gain employment at the South Australian Government where she continues to work.

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

SkillsOne will be showcasing VET qualifications during National Skills Week from 28 August to 3 September 2017. National Skills Week is Australia’s primary week to acknowledge vocational achievements and celebrate the endless opportunities available through VET.

To organise an event, or take part in the many events that can be found across the country, visit the National Skills Week website.

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

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