NATIONAL Skills Week officially launches today across Australia.
Now in its 15th year, National Skills Week aims to raise the status of the Vocational Education and Training sector by raising awareness and educating parents, school-leavers, upskillers, career changers and job seekers of myriad rewarding, lucrative and prestigious career pathways available through VET.
This week also celebrates the power of vocational education and training to unlock a world of career opportunities, and the importance of VET to Australia’s economy.
State Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, will present a keynote address at the New South Wales launch at the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility at First Building, Bradfield City Centre.
Mr Whan said the next week will be a celebration of the power of vocational education and training to transform careers, communities and the NSW economy.
“Skills are the backbone of NSW, and we’re backing our apprentices, trainees and students this National Skills Week,” Mr Whan said.
“Every apprenticeship and traineeship completed is another win for our communities and economy. Skills open doors and training builds futures. We’re investing in both.
“For young people exploring their future, or for anyone looking to retrain or upskill, National Skills Week is a reminder that vocational education can lead to secure, rewarding, and meaningful careers.”
In the 2025-26 Budget, the NSW Government made its largest investment in skills and TAFE of $3.4 billion to ensure the state has the skilled workers required to meet its economic needs.
The funding backs apprentices and trainees by making apprenticeships and traineeships fee-free, which will help achieve priorities outlined in the NSW Skills Plan 2024-28. The Plan includes improving pathways and strengthening employer and industry partnerships and better support learners, industry, the VET workforce and system agility.
Other NSW Government initiatives underway include upgrades to TAFE facilities located across the state; providing modernised and subsidised qualifications through Free TAFE; and a comprehensive review of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to ensure vocational training is easy to navigate, is flexible, and matches the real-world needs of priority industries, such as construction, care and support, technology, and clean energy.
