Hello there,
It's obvious that the issue of skills shortages affects us all. We take many things for granted. Only yesterday the air conditioning in our office stopped working and we all suffered yet, as David Eynon, Executive Director, Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors' Association (AMCA) will tell you, they are working hard to showcase the opportunities of skills and career pathways within that sector.
Theirs is a sector which is very environmentally conscious. With this in mind, and in co-operation with AMCA, we have produced a special 30 minute program featuring interviews with people who work within the industry. The stories outline the types of careers within the sector and the numerous opportunities for a very successful career.
The special will go to air on SkillsOne Television on Aurora (Foxtel 183) at 2pm on Saturday 26th April. The stories will also be able to be watched on the SkillsOne website.
The continued professional development of trade teachers is essential to this industry and many others. The role trade teachers play is critical, one can get the impression that they are undervalued. Certainly we need to raise their profile. Historically and now, trade teachers are considered 'Masters of their Crafts' and pass on their skills and knowledge to their students. So, I am encouraged by some of the visits I have made recently to TAFEs and private Registered Training Organisations. The enthusiasm and professionalism displayed by trade teachers is to be much admired.
Towards the end of April I am privileged to be speaking at a Trade Teaching event in Melbourne organised by the TAFE Development Centre. The purpose of the event is to highlight the issues that confront trade teachers in these contemporary times, providing them with tips and strategies, and assist intheir personal development. It is also, in my view, a celebration and an opportunity to encourage and recognise their talents. I have long advocated that the assets of any organization go up and down in the lift - teachers are no different. They are a valuable resource and they need to be fully recognised and assisted.
At this point I should mention again that The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence's inaugural Trade Teacher of the Year, Marion Fitzpatrick, has been invited to attend the Australia 2020 Summit on 19th and 20th April. I congratulate Marion on not only the invitation to attend the Summit, but her contribution to trade teaching and delivering the very best of outcomes for her students, colleagues and TAFE.
Recently, Kathryn Lees, The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence's Operations Director, was invited to speak at the NSW TAFE Riverina Institute Wagga Wagga Graduation Ceremony. The evening was a celebration of students' achievements and what their futures hold for them in their respective chosen careers. Again, a testament not only to the students, but to the trade teachers who share their skills and knowledge with their students to ensure they are well equipped and skilled as they enter their apprenticeships and the workforce.
Finally, skillsone.com.au has been nominated for two prestigious Webby Awards - the Oscars of the internet. This is recognition of the efforts of everyone at The Institute, and The Australian Channel who produce SkillsOne. We are greatly indebted to Peter Sjoquist and Peter Faiman of The Australian Channel and their team for their creative input and development of the SkillsOne website and Television program.
All the best,
Brian Wexham
