The National Launch of National Skills Week was held on August 24 with great success as Industry and public united to celebrate skills and trades. Launched by the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, with the Hon Steven Herbert MP, Victoria Minister for Training and Skills, International Education, and Corrections, the night proceeded to shine the spotlight on Vocational Education and Training, and highlight the sectors in need of skilled professionals and trades workers.
“The National Launch was a night filled with discussion on the future of Australia’s workforce and how best to move the nation towards economic success and continued competitiveness in today’s global market ” General Manager at SkillsOne Kirstin Casey said.
“It is a great start to the many launches yet to happen around Australia, all aiming to celebrate VET, the students who have gained career success from a VET pathway, and the nation’s bright future.”
Founder of National Skills Week Brian Wexham hosted the evening event. Mr Wexham brought attention to the new demands on Industry, the valuable ways that VET meets these demands, and the valuable opportunities it offers to all Australians. This includes Australian Training Award’s 2015 Australian School Based Apprentice of the Year Finalist Elliot Grayling, and 2015 Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Runner-up Samantha Marks-Galea, both who made special appearances on the night and shared their inspiring career journeys that have emanated from VET.
Samantha took up a Certificate IV in Community Recreation and completed a traineeship, which lead her to success, landing her a position as a Sports and Recreation Coordinator shortly after she completed her studies and training. This position sees her enjoying a wide range of responsibilities and tasks, which she is highly skilled in and thoroughly enjoys day-to-day. This includes planning and
conducting physical education programs, excursions, and implementing the school’s hydrotherapy programs. The story she shared on the night of the National Launch helped people better understand how a VET pathway allows people to connect their passions to a career outcome.
A hands-on way the National Launch connected with the general public and helped them discover new passions and interests, is through the range of skills demonstrations on display at the Queen Victoria Night Markets. Buzzing and intrigued crowds gathered around the different displays with many people expressing how important it was to showcase skills and trades in this interactive way as it brings greater public awareness to the many different career options available through VET.
A robot, aviation cockpit simulator, and a candy making display were just some of the stalls on the night. Others included floristry, special effects makeup, and try-a-skill in bricklaying. AIM provided musical performances on the main stage of the market, and Chisholm Institute displayed models that were transformed into creative characters. These interactive displays were all hosted by leading Vocational Training providers dedicated to providing students with world-class training and flexible study options, some of the many benefits of VET.
National Skills Week runs from August 29 to September 4. For more information on the launches taking place in major states nationwide, visit the National Skills Week website: www.nationalskillsweek.com.au.
Australian Training Awards Alumni are integral to National Skills Week and will be making special appearances in the week ahead. For more information on Australian Training Awards Alumni visit: https://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au.