VET News

Minister Launches the World Skills Australia National Championships

Excerpts from the Ministerial Statement:

It’s no secret that Australians love a competition – and, like our Matildas in the FIFA World Cup – win, lose or draw, our competitors are known for giving it their best.

Over the next few days, 470 young Australians will compete to be named our best tradespeople, apprentices, and trainees. Competitors will compete across 55 skills – from carpentry, and plumbing to cloud computing, and cyber security.

To the competitors – you all have the opportunity to showcase your talents, and champion your skills pathways.I believe that skills drive the future of young people, and the future of Australia.  That is a belief that the Albanese Government and Worldskills share.

Created in 1981 by the labour movement as Work Skill Australia Foundation, it plays an important role endorsing, promoting and providing recognition for skills and trades.

For a long time, we have placed university study as superior to VET education. And we’re paying the price for that. That price is the most significant skills shortage in recent memory. We need to support both if we are to keep up with skills needs that are changing faster than ever.

Both university and VET education are vital pillars to having the skills pool to best face the global challenges of our time. TAFEs, registered training organisations, universities, colleges, and secondary schools have hosted competitions to select competitors here today.

See more in the full Ministers' Media Centre Release here.

What are you looking for this National Skills Week?

This year’s theme is ‘What are you looking for?’. Whether it’s career progression, a change of pace, more meaningful work or something else entirely, there’s a VET pathway to help people find what they’re looking for. VET provides practical skills needed to gain employment in some of Australia’s most in-demand industries.

Events

By attending one of the many events held around the country, in-person or online, you can learn about new career opportunities and industry specific initiatives. Whether you are just starting your career, looking for a change, or perhaps you are a parent or manager, National Skills Week has something for you. 

To find events near you, visit the National Skills Week website.

Date posted Aug 24, 2023