The Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training officially launched National Skills Week in Tasmania at a private cocktail function at TasTAFE on August 31. The event continued this week’s Industry and Government agenda of increasing public understanding of the many ways VET connects all Australians to successful career outcomes.
General Manager at SkillsOne and host of the launch Kirstin Casey believes the launch was a strategic opportunity for Tasmania to celebrate the many skills and trades that make up the state, and encourage more people to choose a VET study pathway.
“National Skills Week aims to work together with media, Industry and Government to spread the message on VET and the inspiring success stories that have emerged from the sector, which will assist the public to let go of pre-conceived notions and recognise VET as a first choice study option.”
TasTAFE provided world-class food, service and entertainment at the launch, and CEO of TasTAFE Stephen Conway made an address. The fashion department hosted a fashion show revealing the Industry standard work of skilled fashion design and makeup students.
TasTAFE CEO Stephen Conway said TasTAFE was proud to be a sponsor and supporter of National Skills Week.
“It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate the vital role vocational education and training plays in the lives of individuals, the community and the economy,” Mr Conway said.
“VET can be life-changing and has many benefits for employers, apprentices, trainees, students and the wider community. As Tasmania’s public training provider and the state’s largest training provider TasTAFE plays a vital role in meeting Tasmania’s training needs and up-skilling our workforce.”
2015 Australian Apprentice of the Year Finalist Joshua Dales, and 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Finalist Bradley Clark both made a special appearance at the launch, sharing their unique personal story of success and achievement made possible by their training and studies through VET. Australian Training Awards Alumni and WorldSkills Ambassadors make a significant contribution toward the positive impacts and aims of National Skills Week and the VET sector.
Another Australian Training Awards Alumni from Tasmania is 2014 Vocational Student of the Year Finalist Alison Rogers. Spurred by a love for learning, Alison completed a Diploma of Business through VET, a move she believes played an important part in fine tuning and enhancing her work performance. Like many Australian Training Award winners and finalists, Alison is passionate about helping young people reach their full potential, which she does through the encouragement and support of the VET sector.
National Skills Week runs from August 29 to September 4, and launches will continue this week in major states and territories nationwide. For more information on the launches taking place visit the National Skills Week website: www.nationalskillsweek.com.au.