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"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the importance of vocational education and skills training, highlighting its practical benefits, personal success stories, and the diverse pathways it offers for lifelong learning and career development.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Philosopher Eric Hoffer once said, ‘The person who has finished learning is preparing to live in a world that no longer exists.’
In a world of rapid change, you can probably see his point. As we celebrate National Skills Week from 19-25 August 2024, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the diversity, strength, and importance of learning, particularly in vocations and industries that encourage hands-on, practical learning. This year, we shine a light on the many pathways that vocational education and skills training provide, challenging outdated myths and showcasing the real-world benefits of preparing people with industry specific skills that they have learned on the job.
Creating individualised pathways for learning is imperative. Perhaps you are planning your first job, wanting to take up a hobby or are embarking on a career change. Not everyone is interested in going to university, and National Skills Week is a great opportunity to take stock and explore alternative learning pathways. What are you interested in? What type of environment do you like to work in? Do you like to work with people, or do you prefer to operate behind the scenes?
Vocational training is often misunderstood, with lingering perceptions that it’s a less valuable alternative to traditional academic pathways. Having worked as a workplace trainer early in my career, and supporting my son to complete two trades, I have seen first-hand the wealth of opportunities that this pathway creates. People receive practical experience, qualifications and transferrable skills that are valued by employers across a range of industries. From small beginnings, significant achievements are possible, and nowhere is this more evident than in the personal stories of those who have thrived through such pathways.
Take, for instance, a young 16-year-old from a single-parent family who recently completed her training. Despite facing numerous health challenges, she persevered and earned her certification just two months ago. Today, she is employed at a local aged care facility, where she is not only enjoying her new role but also flourishing in a supportive environment that is encouraging her to continue to learn and grow. Her journey, while not unique, is a powerful reminder of the role that vocational training can play in transforming lives, offering hope and opportunity where there once might have been uncertainty.
One of the key strengths of vocational education is its focus on practical learning. Training programs provide hands-on experience with industry-relevant equipment, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for the realities of the workplace. But beyond just the technical skills, these programs also offer personalised support. Trainers and mentors play a crucial role, offering guidance, encouragement, and even emotional support, helping individuals to overcome personal challenges and build confidence in their strengths and abilities.
Learning is uncomfortable. When we start, we can feel out of our depth, and the imposter syndrome can start to kick in. We might try and fail a few times, but with perseverance and determination we get there.
From small steps, big things can indeed grow, and every individual has the potential to succeed when given the right support and opportunities.
What is something new that you could learn this National Skills Week?
Please note: This website may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.
