National Skills Week will see events and webinars held across the country aiming to help Australians unlock their potential and gain real skills for real careers.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said National Skills Week was a chance for school leavers, job seekers and anyone wanting a new career, to consider a new pathway.

“I would encourage all Australians to consider taking up an apprenticeship or a traineeship because taking up a skill or a trade sets you on a path for a rewarding career and a well-paid job today and tomorrow,” Mr Pitt said.

“As a young bloke, I did an electrical apprenticeship and went on to complete a Bachelor degree in computer and electrical engineering. I worked at Fairymead Sugar Mill, ran my own cane farms, and also established a registered training organisation before I entered politics.

“There is a massive demand for skilled workers and it’s never too late to take up a new trade or to upskill through Australia’s world-class vocational education and training sector.

“I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of the webinars and events taking place across the country, many of them accessible online.”

A Bundaberg local who knows first-hand the benefits of on-the-job VET training is Braden Hellmuth.

Braden is the Head of Engineering, Automation and Technology at Greensill Farming and was named the 2020 Queensland Apprentice of the Year and Runner-up Apprentice of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.

Braden’s passion for agriculture was sparked as a teenager when he picked fruit in his school holidays. After high school he was encouraged to attend university. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science he was drawn back to working on the land.

Braden returned to Bundaberg to work on the farm he had started working at as a teenager. Whilst informally learning skills from one of the mechanics at the busines he became eager for more training materials and information. Before his apprenticeship he had limited knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics and machinery.

Braden studied a Certificate III in Engineering – Heavy Diesel Fitting and the skills and knowledge gained during his apprenticeship provided him with the expertise to keep up with the latest technology in engineering and automation in agriculture.

“VET was attractive as I could undertake the training while I was working and learn on the job instead of only from a textbook,” Braden said.

Braden’s VET qualifications have opened a world of professional opportunities. In addition to technical knowledge his apprenticeship allowed him to develop as an individual and learn interpersonal skills that also contribute to his career success.

“VET has given me the confidence and experience to undertake complex projects which I never would have thought I could achieve. I have had the opportunity to travel internationally and work on projects across the globe including the design and development of complex automated machinery. It feels incredible to work with people at that level and to see your ideas help others to achieve a better outcome,” he said.

He plans to continue learning to stay on top of the technology and automation processes developing in the agricultural industry.

For more information on National Skills Week events visit: https://www.yourcareer.gov.au/national-skills-week/