Member for Kiama Gareth Ward is today reminding people to get involved to celebrate National Skills Week from 21st-27th August.
“National Skills Week aims to raise the status of practical and vocational qualifications and training, enabling all Australians to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities, their potential, and how skill attainment and upskilling can contribute to the nation’s economy,” Mr Ward said.
“The need to strengthen the image of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and overcoming the misconception that VET is a secondary option rather than first choice and is somehow less prestigious or valuable than a university qualification, is essential in filling the skills gaps and attracting students to consider apprenticeships and traineeships.
“The focus is on changing and challenging the perceptions of what is on offer in VET and provide opportunities for industry to promote opportunities and diversity of careers and pathways across VET.
“In the Illawarra and in the Shoalhaven for example, there are some terrific vocational education and training options on offer for school leavers right across our region.
“As your local MP, I have also been a strong advocate for STEM programs which encourage more women to pursuing a fulfilling career in non-traditional trades, indigenous programs, regional and remote programs and apprenticeships,” he said.
“Another example of this was on the Princes Highway upgrade from Berry to Bomaderry and the new Nowra Bridge project and delivering on the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Hub Program which was aimed at addressing skills shortages and increasing diversity in the construction sector and has made a meaningful difference,” Mr Ward concluded.
Please click here to find out more information about National Skills Week 2023.