Victoria’s Skills Commissioner, Craig Robertson, will launch National Skills Week in Victoria on 19 August 2024 at Monash College, Docklands. The event, hosted in collaboration with Monash College Future Skills, will spotlight the growing demand for vocational education and the critical role of collaboration between the VET and higher education sectors.
The event is set to feature a range of speakers, including Jo Mithen, CEO of Monash College, and Brian Wexham, Chair of National Skills Week. The launch will also include an introduction to Monash College’s new Cyber Skills program, showcasing the institution’s commitment to equipping students with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly digitalising world.
Monash College Future Skills, known for its innovative approach to education, has been selected to host this year’s Victorian launch. The venue was chosen to highlight the synergies between vocational training and higher education, a collaboration that is crucial for meeting Australia’s future skills needs. This aligns with the recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord Review, which calls for significant investment and cooperation across all levels of education to address the national skills gap.
Professor Mary O’Kane AC, Chair of the Australian Universities Accord Review Panel, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating that a robust education system from early years to tertiary education is essential for Australia’s workforce development. She noted that achieving a target of 80 per cent tertiary attainment by 2050 will require substantial growth in both the higher education and VET sectors.
The Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE, the Hon. Gayle Tierney MLC, reflected on her long-standing commitment to supporting working families and ensuring economic stability through access to education and employment opportunities. She highlighted the growing need for digitally literate workers and the importance of skills in business, health care, and industry sustainability.
As National Skills Week moves into its 14th year, the initiative continues to raise awareness of the value of apprenticeships and vocational education. Last year’s events, which included over 500 activities across the country, successfully promoted the VET sector and inspired many to consider practical learning pathways.
Rebecca Hope, a shining example of the impact of vocational education, will be one of the featured success stories of this year’s National Skills Week. Living with autism, Rebecca overcame significant challenges to complete her traineeship and multiple certificates. Her journey from requiring one-on-one support to becoming the Victorian Trainee of the Year is a testament to the transformative power of vocational education.
Rebecca now serves as Program Coordinator at Amaze, Victoria’s peak body for autism, where she continues to advocate for inclusion and support for people with disabilities in the workplace. Her work has not only benefited her own career but has also paved the way for others facing similar challenges.
National Skills Week 2024 promises to be an important event for Victoria, bringing together leaders in education, industry, and government to celebrate and promote the diverse pathways available to Australians seeking to develop their skills and advance their careers.
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