National Skills Week dates announced, supporting growth in ECEC

The 2023 dates for National Skills Week have been announced as 21-27 August, designed to inspire Australians to explore the myriad of rewarding and worthwhile careers, including in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector that can be pursued through Vocational Education and Training (VET).

National Skills Week is an initiative supported by the Federal Government and aims to raise awareness on the diversity of career pathways that can be realised through VET, as well as highlighting the greatest skills shortages across sectors and industries and the jobs and skills most in demand for the future, of which ECEC is expected to feature heavily. 

Brendan O’Connor, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, will formally open National Skills Week at Parliament House in Canberra on 10 August 2023, and a special event, An Orchestra of Ideas, will be held in honour of the Week on 25 August 2023 at the Sydney Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney CBD.

Featuring a 20+ piece orchestra and conducted by world renowned conductor George Ellis, An Orchestra of Ideas will showcase and celebrate success stories within the VET sector. It will also explore ideas and initiatives that have been successful in responding to the challenges faced by the sector, while also addressing skills shortages, most in demand jobs of the future and dispelling myths and perceptions associated with VET.    

National Skills Week Chair Brian Wexham said skills remain critical to building Australia’s future economy. Similarly, skills shortages continue to act as a handbrake to economic growth.

“It is imperative that we educate job seekers, school leavers, parents, mums returning to work, career changers and the underemployed, on where the most in demand jobs and the jobs of the future are, and importantly the training available to realise a successful career pathway,” he said. 

“National Skills Week has become a hugely inspiring initiative in putting skills and trades firmly on the agenda and to arm school leavers, job seekers, parents/carers with information as to what options may be best for them.”

The Week, he continued, is designed to achieve real, transformative outcomes for Australian people – to inspire people to undertake active, participative education and training that VET provides resulting in skills that can realise immediate rewards in jobs, success and contribute to building Australia’s economy.

For further information, visit nationalskillsweek.com.au