This week is National Skills Week, and Aussies are being encouraged to look into Vocational Education and Training (VET) to improve their skills and change their lives.
According to a study from Jobs and Skills Australia, about half of new jobs created over the next ten years will require VET qualifications, while around 90 percent will require some sort of post-secondary qualification.
This is combined with data suggesting that Australia is experiencing a key skills shortage, meaning industries are on the lookout for new talent. In fact, the Jobs and Skills Australia 2023 Skills Priority List revealed that 36 percent of occupations were in a national shortage, a 5 percent increase from 2022. Most of these shortages came from high-skilled and professional jobs including health, engineering, information communication technology, and science. An additional 33 percent of job shortages were reported in technicians and trade occupations.
After these rocky 2023/24 results, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggested developing a skilled workforce was a vital next step.
“This would empower young Australians to embark on their careers and contribute to the nation’s skilled workforce,” ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.
“The apprenticeship model plays a vital role in skills development and successful transitions from education to employment. To ensure that job seekers possess the skills and training required for the jobs of today and tomorrow, we must get the incentives right.”
National Skills Week
Each year, National Skills Week highlights the value of skills and vocational learning. VET training is the foundation of the Aussie economy, and leads to many career opportunities in a variety of sectors.
Celebrating its fourteenth year, this week includes over 500 events, talks, and workshops to encourage more people to consider VET opportunities. The 2024 theme is ‘game changer’, highlighting the way Vocational Education and Training can open new doors and lead to both personal and professional success.
National Skills Week Chair, Brian Wexham, emphasises the importance of changing the perception of VET in Australia to reduce stigma and instead prioritise its benefits.
“We want to showcase that Vocational Education and Training has transformed lives in various aspects: career, money, community, climate, global, technology, health, mindset, personal development and more,” he explains.
“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.”
Additionally, Wexham points out that further investment in VET opportunities could help to combat Australia’s skills shortage.
“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.”
To read more about Australia’s national skills shortage, click here.
Opening image: NSW Trainee Bridie Searle