Australian Government support for apprenticeships programs and the vocational education and training (VET) sector were in the spotlight today at a National Skills Week event at the Pan Pacific Perth.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, met with hospitality students at the hotel to congratulate them on their hard work.
"Today we celebrate the hard work of the apprentices, trainees and vocational education and training graduates who prepare the sensational food, and work in the front-of-house operations at the Pan Pacific Perth," Minister Irons said.
"As a former apprentice, I know the work that goes into transforming a school leaver into a VET graduate, and I applaud the Pan Pacific Perth for investing in 12 apprentices, and for the many years they've supported VET students through to graduation.
"The Pan Pacific Perth also does some incredible work with the Ability Centre and EDGE Employment Solutions to help find employment for people with disabilities.
"Australia's prosperity and continued economic growth relies on VET graduates and the investment that businesses like the Pan Pacific Perth make in training the workers of the future."
Recent employment data shows that the accommodation and food services industry employs over 900,000 Australians, over 7 per cent of Australia's total employment. Employment growth in this sector was up by 33,000 - the strongest across all industries.
Minister Irons said that with the extensive array of career paths available, completing a VET course or an apprenticeship has been the first choice for many Australians who are now successful and in their dream job.
"We need to start seeing vocational education as a first choice, one that is equally as good as university and is a path to gaining real skills for real careers."
