The biggest skills and training competition in Australia has combined with the largest careers and employment expo in Western Australia to bring the ultimate showcase of skills, training and jobs to Perth.
The WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show and the SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo today commenced at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The events will run until August 28. Entry is free.
More than 400 talented apprentices, trainees and students - including more than 80 from TeamWA - are competing in the national championships across 45 skills and trades.
The national championships format has been adapted to accommodate travel restrictions. TeamWA and Team Tasmania will compete in Perth, while satellite competitions are held in several other States.
The events come as the McGowan Government's work to restore and revitalise WA TAFE and training has renewed interest in the sector across the State.
There has been a 25 per cent increase in the McGowan Government's 'Lower fees, local skills' course enrolments so far this year, with 96,000 students now enrolled in WA.
The number of apprenticeship and traineeship commencements has also risen by 79 per cent in the past 12 months.
To further attract and retain skilled workers in WA, the McGowan Government has announced a range of proactive measures, following its Skills Summit with industry leaders held earlier this month, including:
- expanding WA's access to onshore visa holders with a request to the Commonwealth for access to 5,000 additional skilled workers already in Australia;
- additional support for mature-age apprentices;
- extending the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-Engagement Incentive;
- boosting Aboriginal youth employment opportunities;
- support for jobseekers to obtain a driver's licence;
- targeted advertising campaigns to increase participation of under-represented groups in WA;
- reviewing the State Government's multibillion dollar infrastructure program to ease workforce pressures;
- freezing GROH rents for public sector workers in the regions;
- growing the tourism and hospitality workforce with high school career programs; and
- a series of regional skills summits - with the first in Bunbury on 30 August 2021.
TAFEs and Jobs and Skills Centres will be exhibiting at the SkillsWest Expo. These centres offer free professional and practical advice on the apprenticeship, training and career opportunities available in WA.
A livestreaming and video-on-demand experience can be accessed through the WorldSkills Australia website http://www.worldskills.org.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government is pleased to hold this major event here in WA, at a time when skills and workforce development is more critical than ever to support our strong economy.
"There are now more Western Australians employed than ever before, and skilled workers continue to be in demand in industries across the State.
"We have redoubled our efforts to grow local training opportunities after considerable investment over the past four years to revitalise the State's TAFEs.
"This is in addition to a range of proactive measures we have put in place to deliver skilled workers where they are needed as quickly as possible.
"There has never been a better time for Western Australians of all ages to upskill and find a quality job in a whole range of industries."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The WorldSkills competition and the SkillsWest Expo provide Western Australians with training and careers inspiration to help them find a pathway to their dream careers.
"With low cost training options and low unemployment, thanks to our WA Recovery Plan, Western Australians are in the box seat to take advantage of the life changing opportunities on show.
"TeamWA's competitors are shining examples of how investment in skills can change your life and I wish them all success in the championships - I'm sure they'll do us proud."
