As National Skills Week continues, new data released last week shows a 5.7 per cent increase in employment ads for Construction jobs in the year to June 2024, indicating a strong demand for workers. This was the fourth highest growth of the 28 industries reported on in the SEEK Employment Report.

With the NSW Government investing up to $16.3 million to continue fully subsidised training for apprentices and trainees, Australia’s largest registered training organisation, TAFE NSW, is building a strong pipeline of skilled workers through its wide range of construction courses.

One such worker is 21-year-old Josh Belfanti from Bathurst, who studied a Certificate III in Carpentry at TAFE NSW while also pursuing a professional football career.

Josh said the flexibility of learning at TAFE NSW allowed him to focus on his training but still work towards a career after sport.

“It was important for me that I achieved a qualification outside of sport, so I had a career to fall back on,” he said.

“With construction workers in such high demand it made sense to follow a pathway into a trade.”

“Unfortunately, injury prevented me from taking my football career further, but luckily the skills that I learnt at TAFE NSW and during my apprenticeship meant it was easy for me to secure work when I returned to my hometown of Bathurst.” 

“I’m now working on new builds, renovations, extensions, heritage, and commercial jobs which allow me to build upon all of the skills I learnt at TAFE NSW every day.”

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.

The annual virtual TAFE NSW Open Day takes place during National Skills Week on 22 August, from 9 am to 4 pm. The online event is open to prospective and current students, teachers, industry partners, community connections, and the general public. Throughout, attendees can explore 12 webinars and other on-demand content, take a virtual campus tour, book one-on-one meetings with teachers, or join drop-in sessions to gather information they need to support their lifelong learning goals. 

Register to attend via https://tafenswevents.eventsair.com/virtual-open-day-2024/register.