Media Release: 20 August 2024
Issued by The Capital Group on behalf of National Skills Week 2024
South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills
The Hon. Blair Boyer MP launches National Skills Week 2024
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a game-changer for people’s lives
Tuesday 20 August 2024 – South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Hon. Blair Boyer MP together with the South Australian Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker will announce the start of National Skills Week 2024 from News Corp’s Adelaide office.
What: Launch of National Skills Week
When: Tuesday 20 August, 5.30pm-7.30pm
Where: News Corp Adelaide head office, level 5
31 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
National Skills Week Chair, Brian Wexham, emphasises the importance of changing the perception of VET in Australia to highlight its benefits and address skill shortages effectively:
“Choosing Vocational Education and Skills Training can be the ultimate game-changer in a person’s career and life—igniting paths to personal and professional success and giving them the competitive edge with skills and confidence to thrive.”
“By promoting future careers, highlighting skills shortages, and identifying emerging trends in Australia and the global economy, VET can deliver the skills needed in the country to boost Australia’s workforce in the coming years.”
“Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of the VET sector, and a high-quality apprenticeship pathway will continue to be critical to ensuring that Australia is able to respond to emerging skills needs and increasingly dynamic labour markets.”
South Australia is home to AUKUS
Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Australian Industry Group says:
“The AUKUS deal is a boon for Australia’s defence industry, which will require Australia’s educational institutions – primary, secondary, and tertiary – to work with industry to ensure the right skills, knowledge and capabilities are being delivered from today. We will require the growth of a skilled workforce in areas including, but not limited to, computer science, data analytics, cyber security, artificial intelligence, engineering, shipbuilding, physics, and nuclear science. AUKUS is a multi-generational project that has the potential to benefit millions of Australians for decades to come.”
According to the Adelaide Economic Development Agency, the city has designed a new economic future with its competitive cost base and ease of doing business.
Multi-million investments in the Lot Fourteen and the BioMed City innovation districts are underpinning new jobs in space, machine learning, big data, health and medical sciences, as well as other emerging sectors. Adelaide’s commitment to its technology infrastructure, most notably Australia’s first 10GBps fibre optic network, makes it an ideal investment location which fosters an environment in which ideas can be conceived, developed and implemented.
National Skills Week from 19-25 August, will this year encourage all Australians to discover how Vocational Education and Training (VET) can be the ultimate game-changer in their own or their families’ careers and lives as well as highlight the game-changing impact skills has on Australia’s future and economy. Hence why this year’s theme is VET – It’s a Game-Changer!
Whether you’re a high school leaver, looking for inspiration of what courses to study to lead you on an exciting and rewarding career pathway, you’re a parent looking to guide your child, you’re a worker looking to upskill, re-skill or even switch careers and pursue a new passion, vocational training can literally change your life.
Investigate practical, real-world skills that you can apply immediately in the workforce, ensuring you are job-ready from the jobs of today and for the future.
The week will highlight the significant contributions of women in trades, the importance of Indigenous workforce participation, and the need for accessibility in remote areas. It will also highlight the most in-demand, highest growth industry sectors and sub-sectors such as manufacturing and digital skills as well as address skills shortages across a myriad of sectors.
As Ambassadors of National Skills Week, several VET Alumni from around the state have won awards and been acknowledged for the high level of training they have achieved in their chosen courses and careers.
Three VET success stories available for interview
Hugo Kregar, Berri, South Australia
Award/s: South Australia Apprentice of the Year 2023 (Finalist)
Current Role: Junior Estimator (Construction Management student)
Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry
RTO: Adelaide Training and Employment Centre
Employer: Maxima Training Group
Host Employer: Michael Kregar Building Pty Ltd
Hugo gained a wealth of knowledge and personal development through his apprenticeship in carpentry, completing a Certificate III in Carpentry through Maxima Training Group and employer, Michael Kregar Building.
Beyond technical carpentry skills, Hugo is passionate about on-site mental health and was proud to organise training in partnership with Mates in Construction—an evidence-based workplace suicide prevention model—for more than 40 trade professionals and subcontractors from his organisation.
He also takes an active role in encouraging local young people in his region to undertake apprenticeships in the industry.
Over the past 2 years, Hugo has been studying a Bachelor of Construction Management while completing his apprenticeship.
Career goals: I want to develop and continue to be a leader in the construction industry, complete my construction management degree, and obtain my builders’ licence.
How has your award helped you with what you are doing now: It has given me the opportunity to connect with leaders in the construction industry and has developed my personal growth in this sector and to connect with like-minded people.
How has VET changed your life: VET has afforded me the chance to emerge as a leader in an industry I’ve long aspired to join, providing a stepping stone for further university studies and empowering me to contribute positively to this dynamic sector, making a lasting impact.
Kathleen Rodda, Humbug Scrub, South Australia
Award/s:
2023 – Australian Training Awards Vocational Student of the Year – Finalist
2023 – South Australian Vocational Student of the Year – Winner
Qualifications:
- Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services)
- Diploma of Training Design and Development
- Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
- Certificate IV in Hairdressing
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
- Certificate III in Beauty Services – SHB30115
- Certificate III in Barbering – SHB30516
- Certificate II in Hairdressing
- Certificate II in Retail Skincare and Make-up
“As trainers, we are responsible for ensuring excellence in education for our students that should go beyond the classroom.”
Kathleen’s (Kat’s) passion for knowledge grew deeper after her experience of mentoring and training at the Healthy Business Training Academy.
She wanted to expand on her skills and gain a greater understanding of the specific learning needs of adults and undertook a dual Diploma of Training Design and Development and Vocational Education and Training.
Kat loves leading and training a team. Already a qualified hairdresser, make-up artist, barber and beautician, Kat has run her own successful business, The Kat’s Whiskers’, for almost a decade.
Now, with her new qualifications under her belt, she has big plans to open her own beauty school. Kat can’t wait to impart her freshly ignited knowledge with future students and share the amazing opportunities that vocational education and training offers.
In 2023, Kat was named the South Australian Vocational Student of the Year and a finalist for Vocational Student of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.
Sophie Brooklyn Orrock, Bordertown, South Australia
Award/s: Australian School-based Apprentice / Trainee of the Year Award 2023 (Finalist), South Australia
Qualification: Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
RTO: TAFE SA
School: Booleroo Centre District School
Employer: Tatiara Truck & Trailers Pty Ltd
Growing up around machinery on her family farm in the Flinders Ranges, working on trucks was something that Sophie wanted to do for herself, and to help out those at home. Undertaking a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology School-based Apprenticeship with Tatiara Truck and Trailers and TAFE SA was a natural fit.
Sophie began to think about her career early on. Knowing that she wanted to work in agriculture, she completed a Certificate III in Rural Operations during Year 10 and most of her school subjects in year 11 to allow her to commence as a full-time school-based apprentice in her final school year. Sophie reports that her skills are constantly improving and that she is taking on more responsibility in the workshop. She even got to work on the boss’ go-kart trailer on her own.
Sophie is a natural leader, holding positions as Club Captain of her local swimming team, Sports Day Leader and President of the Student Representative Council. She always puts her hand up to help, including at her workplace. Sophie believes that it is the small things we do for each other that helps build a community.
“Embarking on an apprenticeship is a great way to learn skills on-the-job and through formal training and I encourage my friends to consider this when looking for career opportunities” says Sophie.
Issued by The Capital Group on behalf of National Skills Week 2024