As National Skills Week continues, skills shortages in crucial trades are providing significant career opportunities for workers young and old in New England and the North West.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, key trades including automotive electricians and metal fabricators have been on the skill shortage list for the past three years.

These trades are vital to supporting industry across the country, however the latest Labour Market Update  shows that 71 per cent of Trade and Technician employers experienced recruitment difficulties in the March 2024 quarter: the highest across all occupations.

TAFE NSW Tamworth is working to fill the gap through its Build Your Career program, encouraging young people to engage with high demand trades including auto electrical, metal fabrication, engineering and welding. 

Local high school students will attend TAFE NSW Tamworth for six days of hands-on training from Monday 19 August, including both accredited and non-accredited training units.

This program is delivered by Regional Economic Development and Training Services NSW under the Targeted Workforce Development Scheme, in partnership with Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP).

TAFE NSW Tamworth Innovative Manufacturing and Engineering Team Leader, Matthew Brakenridge, said: “We are working to bolster industry in New England and the North West by engaging with the workers of the future. Through the Build Your Career program, students gain exposure to a host of different trades and open up new career opportunities.”

Obieco Industries, a Tamworth based auto body building manufacturer, emphasise the need to meet local industry demand.

Head of Human Resources for Obieco Industries, Fiona Sweeney, said: “Collaborating with TAFE NSW Tamworth and the REIP program to engage high school students is providing an opportunity to build our recruitment pipeline. This is imperative to the future success of business, the manufacturing and engineering industry, and the New England North West region.”

The RIEP program connects students directly with industry and employers to explore different career paths or transition into work, apprenticeships and traineeships or further study. During the past three years, more than 3,600 industry partners have participated with more than 230,000 students from more than 870 NSW schools. The program works closely with TAFE NSW to enhance project offerings for students.

Manager Partnerships, Nick Minto, said: “While not an employment program, we have secured 1,227 direct employment outcomes for students since April 2021, including part-time jobs and school-based and full-time apprenticeships and traineeships.”

“This demonstrates the benefits of connecting students directly with employers to explore careers and create networks. These tailored opportunities give high school students the chance to discover their future career paths and connect with learning and employment opportunities.”

Running from 19 to 25 August 2024 and in its 14th year, National Skills Week raises the profile and status of vocational learning in providing attractive career opportunities. With the average Australian changing employers every 3.3 years and the jobs market rapidly evolving, the week is key in educating people of all ages about how vocational education and training can empower them to pursue exciting career pathways.

Importantly, these job choices can help plug significant skills gaps experienced by many Australian industries, helping strengthen our communities and economy.

Media contact: Catherine Johnston, Communications Specialist, catherine.johnston22@tafensw.edu.au, 0481 007 746