- Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills
- Federal Member for McPherson
The 2018 WorldSkills Australia National Championships open this weekend to showcase the talent of Australia’s top young tradespeople.
The Championships feature more than 500 young Australians competing in over 50 fields, ranging from games design and bricklaying to retail cooking and motorcycle mechanics.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP, wished the participants well in their categories and congratulated them for representing the skill, dedication and professionalism the vocational education and training (VET) sector has to offer.
“Your participation in this years’ national event shows how Australia’s VET system can set people on a path to career success, in a wide variety of industries. The level of knowledge and skill required to get to this level is truly exceptional. ” Minister Andrews said.
“The support provided by mentors, trainers and employers also show the high quality of development and guidance given to our VET students.”
The competition is a key part of this year’s Skills Show Australia, which is the largest national celebration of the VET sector.
Minister Andrews said events like the Skills Show and the WorldSkills Australia National Championships play an important role in raising the status of VET and promoting real skills for real careers.
“WorldSkills Australia shows students coming through the school system, that VET is more than just a fall-back option, it is a legitimate first choice pathway to a rewarding career.
The winners in each skills category will be invited to join Australia’s VET Alumni to promote awareness of the opportunities that can be achieved through skills and training.
Well-performing competitors are offered the chance to represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Competition in Russia next year.
To find out more about the Skills Show, visit www.worldskills.org.au.
To find out more about real skills for real careers, visit www.myskills.gov.au.