National Skills Week highlights skills shortages

National Skills Week is being held from August 19–25, encouraging Australians to explore how vocational education and training (VET) can have a game-changing impact on Australia’s future and economy.

The theme of National Skills Week in 2024 is “VET – It’s a Game-Changer”. The week will highlight how VET can offer practical, real-world skills, along with the significant contributions of women in trades, the importance of Indigenous workforce participation, and the need for accessibility in remote areas.

Paths to success

National Skills Week Chair Brian Wexham says choosing VET ignites paths to personal and professional success.

“VET can deliver the skills needed in the country to boost Australia’s workforce in the coming years,” he says.

“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.”

According to the latest data from Jobs and Skills Australia in The Skills Priority List report, about 44 per cent of new jobs created in the next decade will require VET qualifications. Over 90 per cent of new jobs will require post-secondary qualification.

The report states that there is a skills shortage in all construction and trades occupations. The fill rates are among the lowest in the labour market, declining from 54 per cent in the 2020–21 financial year to 29 per cent in 2022–23.

Manufacturing success

Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance CEO Sharon Robertson says manufacturing plays a key role in the economy as Australia’s fifth largest industry.

“With employment expected to grow by more than 16 per cent by 2033, we want to ensure that the manufacturing industry can access workers with the skills needed,” she says.

“We are committed to delivering tangible solutions that address the skills and workforce challenges faced by the manufacturing industry.

“The 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan is the result of extensive consultation with employers, industry experts, training organisations and unions, ensuring that the solutions we propose are well-informed and supported. By incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise, we have created a comprehensive roadmap for workforce development that seeks to meet the industry’s skill shortages.”

National Skills Week highlights the inspirational success stories of VET alumni and Australian Apprentices or Trainees of the Year. Now in its fourteenth year, this year over 500 events are taking place across the country to deliver engaging and inspirational messages and promote the VET sector.

More information is available here.

Feature image of Amy Hunt.