With the conclusion of National Skills Week (August, 27^th to September 2^nd, 2018) the message “Real Skills for Real Careers” as the focus for 2018.  We’re ecstatic to finally see a positive focus on the Vocational training sector.

Vocational Education & Training or VET at it is commonly referred to, provides opportunities for training for anyone who doesn’t wish to go to university, across a variety of industry sectors. However, it must be noted that a VET training can lead to further pathway career studies or even a University degree.

The Government’s Vision is to “raise the status of practical and vocational learning, enabling all Australian’s to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities, their potential and how they can contribute to a successful modern economy”.

For years now, apprenticeships, traineeships and other vocational courses had a stigma of being a “lesser qualification” than a University Degree.  The Government’s Mission for the sector is to articulate and advocate – “learning by doing is an important as academic learning”.  To showcase examples of the many pathways to success and to dispel some of the out-dated myths often associated with vocational education and training.

Hallelujah!  What a fantastic outcome.  We consider this change in attitude and focus to be none before time! We’ve advocated that a Trade Qualification is like a University Degree only different – not less!

Some of the key objectives and focus are:-

• To encourage women to get into non-traditional trades such as building and construction or automotive, and emphasise the changes in technology as well as society that make careers in non-traditional industries accessible;
• To coordinate a nationwide celebration of vocational qualifications and to shine a spotlight on the achievements of practical learners;
• To highlight the talent and skills of apprentices to the wiser public and employers – ie WorldSkills Competitions and Australian Training Award ambassadors;
• To highlight the range of apprenticeships available in different sectors and the related pathways;

What an exciting time for our Apprentices, Trainees and other Vocational Learners – hold your heads high and proud – finally the rest of country will be getting behind you, seeing what we get to see each and every day – practical skills = a VET education.

The Hon. Senator Michaelia Cash, Minister for Small business, Skills and Vocational Education interview can be found at Welcome to National Skills Week – National Skills Week 2016

A full list of objectives can be found here.