The next generation of Victoria’s agriculture and horticulture workforce showcased their skills this week, with secondary schools students competing at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, made possible by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today met students competing in the VET in Schools Primary Industries category at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Eden Park campus, north-east of Melbourne’s CBD, which features leading technology and equipment.
Competitors participate in a variety of practical skills tests – ranging from tractor operation, soil testing, working with livestock, assessing weather conditions, fence construction and weed control.
The competition is one of 15 WorldSkills VET in Schools categories, which also includes bricklaying, food and beverage, information technology and tiling.
WorldSkills is the nation’s largest trades and skills competition and gives over 450 apprentices, trainees and students the opportunity to showcase their talent across more than 55 disciplines, including carpentry, hairdressing, cyber security and health services.
Supported by Apprenticeships Victoria, the national championships are the final testing ground for Australian competitors before next year’s international competition. Winners may get the opportunity to join the Australian Skillaroos team that will compete with 75 other nations in Lyon, France in 2024.
Held alongside the Victorian Careers & Employment Expo, most competitions as part of WorldSkills will take place at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre until Saturday, 19 August with free entry.
Attendees can watch the skills competitions and try a range of activities at dedicated TryASkill booths while also learning about career pathways from hundreds of industry representatives.
More than 80 courses and short courses are available across Victoria as part of Free TAFE, offering tuition fee-free training, so more people can embark on a great career or re-train into growing industries.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $4 billion to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
For registrations and more information visit worldskills.org.au.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“Competitions like WorldSkills VET in Schools show how vital and interesting vocational training can be at a secondary school level – the students here today are demonstrating valuable skills that will support them well if they choose to pursue careers in agriculture and horticulture.”
“We back WorldSkills and all of the students who showcase the excellence of Victoria’s vocational courses and training organisations like Melbourne Polytechnic.”
As stated by Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage
“The facilities at Melbourne Polytechnic Eden Park are world-class. It’s so wonderful to see our local training ground play a huge part in a competition of this calibre, bringing talented students from all over the state into our community.”
