This year, National Skills Week (August 23-28) should encourage Australians to re-think the importance of vocational education and training (VET), VERTO Chief Executive Officer Ron Maxwell believes.
Today, the VET sector fuels careers in Australia’s largest and fastest-growing industries, and studies have shown that nine out of ten of the biggest jobs of the future will require a VET qualification.
“Vocational education and training powers many of Australia’s industries. For example, in the healthcare and social assistance sector, 31 per cent of employees hold VET qualifications. This is an industry that is tipped to grow considerably over the next five years, only increasing demand for qualified workers,” Mr Maxwell said.
“As many states re-enter COVID-19 restrictions, National Skills Week will act as a positive reminder of the power of education and the role it will play in Australia’s economic recovery.
“I encourage anyone who is completing their HSC, has been impacted by COVID-19 or is currently considering their work or study options, to use National Skills Week as an opportunity to consider how VET can help them future-proof their skills or build an exciting new career.”
While VET is often linked with traditional apprenticeship careers, such as building, carpentry and electrical, Mr Maxwell suggested school leavers and job seekers to take a closer look.
“There are more than 500 apprenticeship and traineeship career options, and long gone are the days when it’s only males that undertake apprenticeships,” he said.
“Not only can you earn while you learn during an apprenticeship or traineeship, the reality is that VET graduates earn $2,000 more than university counterparts in their first year, and this is only likely to increase as demand outstrips supply in many industries.
“In a world that moves so quickly, forward-thinking employers are looking for VET’s combination of on-the-job training and study to build the practical skills they need to thrive into the future.”
National Skills Week 2021 will run from 23 – 28 August. More information can be found at nationalskillsweek.com.au.
Whether you are a recent school leaver, looking for work, or considering a career change, VERTO can help you find a career that matches your skills and interests. Contact VERTO on 1300 4 VERTO (1300 483 786),
