On 15 July, World Youth Skills Day is celebrated across the world to promote the importance of young people getting the skills they need for the work of today and the future.
In a fast-moving world, where technology is constantly evolving and the needs of employers continue to change, there is no doubt that being flexible and skilled is an advantage for young people looking to build their career.
Practical, applied learning – that doesn’t just teach theory, but puts it into practice – helps young people lay a strong foundation for their career and build the skills they need to chase opportunities to work in new and changing industries.
The National Careers Ambassador, Scott Cam, recommends Vocational Education and Training (VET) as a rewarding career pathway that lets students learn on the job and get hands-on lessons in current technologies.
“Technologies are changing the way we live and work,” Mr Cam said.
“VET offers nationally recognised training and qualifications across a range of industries that is really well positioned to keep pace with the future of work because its courses are driven by what employers need.”
For students like Indy Griffiths, VET was the ideal way to get practical skills and experience in an industry she was interested in – graphic design.
“I wanted a hands-on education and I knew TAFE could give me that,” Indy said.
Graphic design is a perfect example of a technology-driven industry, where getting current training is just as important as being open to life-long learning, because skills needs are likely to continue to change.
Today, Indy can fix a typo by pressing backspace on her keyboard. In the 1970s, Indy would have had to scrape ink off paper before typing again. And if she were studying design in the early 2000s, it would be unlikely that she would be able to draw with a stylus and tablet like she can now.
VET will continue to adapt and respond to the needs of industry and changing technologies. It is preparing young people for the future and gives them an appreciation of the benefit of continuing to update your skills throughout your career. For young people like Indy, it is helping them turn their dream into a reality: she landed a job with Style Communications.
