National Skills Week 2020, held between August 24 and 30, 2020, celebrates the importance of training and career pathways to ensure Western Australia has a skilled workforce to support the State’s economic recovery.
Now in its 10th year, National Skills Week showcases the many opportunities vocational education and training (VET) can provide for upskilling, reskilling and getting people into jobs.
The McGowan Government recognises the critical role of training and recently announced a $229.2 million Rebuilding our TAFEs plan, including a $57 million training recovery package which slashed fees for an additional 39 TAFE courses by up to 72 percent through expanding the Lower fees, local skills initiative.
In total, there are now 73 priority courses heavily reduced with people under 25 paying no more than $400 in course fees. A range of free short courses are also now available to introduce people into a variety of careers.
WA’s VET sector offers more than 1,000 nationally recognised courses and qualifications, and more than 650 apprenticeships and traineeships.
Qualifications range from traditional trades such as building and construction and electrical through to enrolled nursing, dental nursing, aged care and disability, and even cybersecurity.
Alzheimer’s care worker, Debra Oliver, worked in sales but decided to study a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing Home and Community) at South Metropolitan TAFE because of a relative’s experience with dementia. After seeking advice from her local Jobs and Skills Centre, Debra volunteered at Ella’s House in Mandurah and she was hired by the respite facility after two shifts.
The Certificate III in Individual Support is just one of the half price course fee qualifications available under the Lower fees, local skills initiative.
For more information about National Skills Week visit https://www.nationalskillsweek.com.au
Job seekers, career changes and school-leavers can contact their local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 to explore their training and career options.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The McGowan Government’s $229.2 million Rebuilding our TAFEs plan recognises the critical role of training to help Western Australia recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“National Skills Week is an ideal opportunity to showcase the value of training and highlight the careers and successes of our high achieving VET graduates in Western Australia.
“VET provides real opportunities for people to change their lives and enables workers displaced by the pandemic to access affordable training and get back into a rewarding careers.”
