The Star Rating Scheme acknowledges and rates high-performing Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as schools, TAFEs, colleges and other institutions, in terms of a one-, two-, or three- gold star level of recognition.
One such RTO is the Illawarra Institute of TAFE NSW. It was identified as a leading RTO and earnt a Three Gold Star Rating for its Certificate III courses in carpentry, shopfitting and detailed joinery, painting and decorating and brick/block-laying at its Wollongong Campus.
This means that Illawarra TAFE's construction training area is officially recognised as being among the best in the country.
Initiatives like this Star Rating Scheme serve to motivate a more positive perception and awareness of trades and skills in contemporary Australian society.
According to the Director of the Illawarra Institute of TAFE NSW, Diane Murray, "all areas of growth in the economy rely on highly skilled and professional tradespeople."
George Dragovic , one of the trade teachers from the Illawarra Institute, was one of the winners of the Institute of Trade Skills Excellence 'Trade Teacher of the Year' award last year, along with two other teachers from Illawara TAFE who have also received this award.
"The fact some of our staff have been independently recognised as being the best in their trade means that people can be confident that the skills are going to be at the highest level." says Diane Murray.
The importance of TAFE and other learning and training institutions are paramount, vital to equipping all applicable Australians (not just young guns!) with necessary and highly valuable skills, knowledge and experience to not only gain, but to maintain, employment and therefore keep Australia flourishing internally, and externally within the wider global milieu.
Ms Murray believes that promoting trades through vehicles such as SkillsOne are crucial ways of demonstrating to the population that trades offer many serious and rewarding career prospects.
Some people look down on trades and as "secondary" less intelligent or skilled occupations, and it is the aim of initiatives like SkillsOne to highlight this as a misconception. SkillsOne aims to make people aware of the range of exciting and fulfilling occupations and trades which utilise and foster their potential.
"It's about showing young people the possibilities for them in the trades industry," says Ms Murray, who feels that the SkillsOne site and TV show can counter negative perceptions of and myths surrounding trades and offer first-hand evidence that trades are a legitimate, valued, successful and highly-satisfying career choice.
"People need to get into our training workshops so they can actually see and appreciate the quality of the workplace, and the high standard of work which these people undertake," she says.
