National Skills Week shines the spotlight on data indicating a strong demand for skilled workers in the construction industry to meet the nation’s housing requirements.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, residential building construction, installation and building completion services are the largest employers in the sector with almost 700,000 workers nationwide. A further 75,000 more trade workers and technicians will be needed in the next five years.

TAFE NSW, Australia’s largest registered training organisation, is building a strong pipeline of these workers through its construction courses.

One such worker is Sharna Barris, studying Certificate III in Carpentry at TAFE NSW Cooma.

“More housing is needed throughout the Snowy region and it’s rewarding to know the skills I’m learning mean I’m contributing to helping build more homes,” Sharna said.

Sharna hadn’t always worked in construction, a snow-change and career change took her from living in Sydney, working in fitness, to Jindabyne where she started an apprenticeship with a local builder.

“I’ve always been a hands-on person interested in working with wood and building things but I was told this job was too hard for girls. I got into carpentry at 26 and I want other women to know this job isn’t as scary as they might think. Don’t listen to people who tell you it’s too hard.”

Sharna acknowledged there were plenty of challenges in a typical day on the job site but overcoming them had helped boost her confidence. “Stepping out of my comfort zone, combined with the skills I’m learning at TAFE NSW, is giving me more confidence at work and throughout life.

“Something I love about a career in construction is the variety of jobs and learning transferable skills. I can fix things around my house, do renovations, I’ll even be able to build my own house one day.”

Running from 19 to 25 August 2024 and in its 14th year, National Skills Week raises the profile and status of vocational learning by providing attractive career opportunities. With the average Australian changing employers every three 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 runs 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.

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, adam.wright57@tafensw.edu.au.