National Skills Week, a week dedicated to vocational learning starts on August 22 and runs until August 28.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging people across the region to ‘Thank A Tradie’ this National Skills Week.
“National Skills Week is the perfect time to celebrate the important contribution of tradespeople to local economies,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether it’s the chippie who laid your floor, the sparkie who installed your lighting, or the florist who created your bouquet for your Wedding Day, skilled tradespeople deliver services that are part of everyday life.”
“There has never been a better time to study at TAFE and this National Skills Week we’re encouraging people to explore the range of fee-free courses on offer to help you get your first job, a new job or a better job.”
Sharna Turton from Young is currently studying a Certificate III in Plumbing at TAFE NSW and is now employed at S and S Plumbing in the Young area and supporting her community through her profession.
“Plumbing is my second trade, I was working on large gas supply infrastructure projects but decided to switch careers to have more control over what I was working on and to be able to work independently. Studying to be a plumber at TAFE NSW gives me the hands-on practical skills I need to be successful in this industry,” she said.
“I like to be able to fix things myself and be self-sufficient. It’s a great feeling to be able to use my skills to help people with their plumbing in this community.”
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said NSW is going to need an additional 3,400 chippies, 1,500 plumbers, 2,900 chefs, and 2,300 sparkies in the next three years, which provides an exciting opportunity for job seekers.
“TAFE NSW is helping secure a brighter future for NSW by helping people get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” Mr Henskens said.
“The NSW Government’s record investment in TAFE NSW means more people can get high-quality training in priority courses, all while honing their craft in industry-standard learning spaces.” For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.
