National Skills Week is an annual nationwide event that celebrates the extraordinary talent and skills of the many professionals across various sectors. It aims to promote the significance of the Vocational Education along with its widely recognised approach to practical training development.
This years’ theme was ‘what are you looking for?’ which highlights the exciting career and educational opportunities that are available through vocational training.
The program featured a panel of special guests and speakers, including:
- Keynote: The Hon. (Prue) Prudence Ann CAR, MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education
- MC – Mr David Collins, PSM Executive Director Training Services NSW, NSW Department of Education
- Mr Brian Wexham, Chair National Skills Week and CEO SkillsOne Television
- Moderator of Panels -Business Sydney Executive Director, Paul Nicolaou
It also included two diverse panels of NSW Training Award Winners – VET Teachers and students, as well as employers and parents speaking on skills future, initiatives, and programs to meet the needs of industry.
The event was a success and presented the rare opportunity for like-minded organisations to connect. Attendees included VET Stakeholders, Training Services NSW professionals, Jobs and Skills Councils, industry experts, the SkillsOne team, and various other stakeholders who received the chance to collaborate and network.
| “I was absolutely blown away by the calibre of talent displayed today at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Melbourne! It was also a great opportunity to meet with Apprentices, Trainees, students & representatives from TAFE, RTOs, Employers & the National Careers Institute. -Natalie Turmine GAICD, CEO at SkillsEQuipped |
Brian Wexham – Founder and Chair of National Skills Week and CEO SkillsOne Television (primary event sponsor) shared a powerful message on the significance and credibility of the Vocation Education training and development pathways.
He highlighted that “we (National Skills Week) have set out to dispel outdated beliefs held about Vocation Education. Our focus on identifying trends and where the skills needs are in demand … and highlighting the diversity that is available”.
Vocation Education can lead to a rewarding and sustaining career path for the current and next generation. It offers a fulfilling career that can potentially unlock new opportunities for further career development.
As the Jobs and Skills Council for the Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality sectors, we are dedicated to reinforcing the importance of Vocational Education and Training (VET) as a vital pillar of our industries. Through collaboration with industry stakeholders, the Australian Government, educational and training providers, and unions, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that confront our sectors and to progressively improve on the workforce development.
