Try’aSkill events inspiring the next generation of trades and skills stars

Young people across the country are seeing what it takes to work in a trade professional through WorldSkills Australia’s Try’aSkill program.

Primary and secondary school students can try their hand at a variety of trades and skills ranging from floristry and fashion technology to plumbing and graphic design. The activities are designed to interest and inspire students to consider a vocational education or training pathway by engaging them with a fun trade-related activity. Skilled tradespeople will test the students with “hands-on” experiences including:

• Hairdressing – Make curls using a GHD styling tool.
• Automotive – Disassemble a real engine component.
• Restaurant – Create yummy “mocktails”.
• Engineering – Build a tower using dry spaghetti.

The students also have the opportunity to interact with apprentices, teachers, trainers, local business owners and industry experts to learn about the benefits of choosing a vocational education and training pathway.

The Try’aSkill program (sometimes called Try’aTrade) is an important step for promoting trade vocations as viable career pathways. A national survey conducted by WorldSkills Australia in 2014 showed that more than two-thirds of respondents had never even considered a career in a trade-based industry, with uncertainty about the types of VET qualifications offered being a common statement.

“One of our aims is to continually highlight the career opportunities that are available via a vocational education and training pathway, and the WorldSkills Australia Try’aSkill program is integral to us achieving this aim,” says WorldSkills Australia CEO, Mark Callaghan.  “At a time where the status of VET still suffers in comparison to a university education, Try’aSkill showcases careers in skills and trades as viable first-choice career options.”

Several Try’aSkill events are scheduled across the country from this month onward, including at Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre (Tamworth, NSW) and Burnie Arts & Function Centre (Burnie, TAS) on 20 May, Fred Moule Exhibition Centre at Cairns Showgrounds (Parramatta Park, QLD) on 21 May, and Bundaberg Civic Centre (Bundaberg, QLD) on 26 May. To find a Try’aSkill event near you, visit: www.worldskills.org.au/events/categories/tryaskill/