- Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills
A Federal Government-funded program that recruits prominent Australians to promote apprenticeships and traineeships has been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews congratulated those involved in the Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors program that’s part of the Government’s efforts to inspire young Australians to take up an apprenticeship and to raise the status of Vocational Education and Training (VET).
“Through the Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors program, more than 200 people across regional and metropolitan areas have been signed up as ambassadors who advocate for Australian Apprenticeships,” Minister Andrews said.
The program has been added to a United Nations technical and vocational Promising Practices Database which showcases initiatives from around the world that are improving VET practices.
“I commend the apprenticeships ambassadors for their tireless and passionate efforts to promote Australian Apprenticeships – which they do on a voluntary basis,” Minister Andrews said.
“It is great to see their hard work recognised in an international forum where I hope it will inspire other governments and organisations to develop similar initiatives.”
Minister Andrews said Australia’s many apprenticeships ambassadors are living proof of the financially and personally rewarding careers available by completing apprenticeships and traineeships.
“I encourage Australians of all ages looking for career inspiration to jump on the Australian Apprenticeships website to view ambassador videos, case studies and news stories,” Minister Andrews said.
The program’s newest recruit, 2016 Australian Apprentice of the Year, 24-year-old Shane Dealy from the Australian Capital Territory, said he couldn’t wait to start his role as a national ambassador.
“I look forward to visiting schools and giving impressionable young people a complete picture of the options available to them. I want to show just how fantastic the benefits of learning a trade can be.”
The Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors Program includes ambassadors from a range of backgrounds who have found career success since completing an Australian Apprenticeship.
High profile ambassadors include television host of The Block and carpenter, Scott Cam; AFL legend and former plumber Kevin Sheedy, stylist to the stars, Renya Xydis and many National Rugby League stars past and present.
For more information about the Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors Program visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
UNESCO’s Promising Practice Database can be viewed here: www.unevoc.unesco.org/promisingpractices