Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors gathered today at Parliament House for a roundtable event to share their experiences in the vocational education and training sector.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP said seventeen ambassadors met to discuss their VET experiences and explain how apprenticeships and traineeships had changed their lives, and to discuss how the process worked, and what could have been better.
“Today was a great chance to hear a range of perspectives on the Australian Apprenticeships system from those who have either completed an apprenticeship or who deliver apprenticeships through their business, or both,” Minister Andrews said.
One well-known ambassador is Brad Meyers, former Broncos, Titans and Queensland State of Origin star turned carpenter and Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador.
Brad retired from football in 2011, due to injury, but completed an apprenticeship in carpentry, and hasn’t looked back.
“I was lucky enough to have some amazing experiences in my rugby league career, but completing my apprenticeship and gaining a national qualification has been very important for my off-field career,” Brad said.
Minister Andrews said Brad Meyers is an inspirational example of someone who has used an apprenticeship to build a new career and is an active advocate of Australian Apprenticeships in the Australian VET Alumni.
“While it is obvious an apprenticeship provides real skills for real careers – some people unfairly regard it as a second choice, behind a university degree,” Minister Andrews said.
“The reality is we need more skilled Australians in areas of growth and traditional trades, and I’m pleased our Ambassadors have embraced the real skills for real careers message and are helping to share their positive stories.”
Australia has 216 Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors from all corners of Australia. The Ambassadors actively assist in promoting the value of trade and traineeship career pathways and are available to speak at schools and career events to share their story of career success. For more information visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au.