Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship is likely to have a huge impact on your future career possibilities. Vocational education and training (VET) can help people from a wide variety of backgrounds to learn the skills and qualifications they need to clinch their dream job.
Nevertheless, this is not a decision to take lightly. An apprenticeship or traineeship takes hard work, dedication and patience, so you need to ensure you’re committed before commencing a placement.
Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors can provide help and guidance for those who are struggling with the decision to become an apprentice or trainee. They have first-hand experience of the process, having earned a qualification and used their newly acquired skills to gain more fulfilling jobs.
If you’re still mulling over which profession is the best fit for your personality and talents, BUSY At Work’s Gateway Services can help point you in the right direction. BUSY At Work’s Career and Placement Advisors will discuss your career goals and utilise a suite of career assessment tools to identify the most suitable career pathway for you.
Who are the Ambassadors?
The Ambassadors come from all walks of life. They include well-known faces such as Australian Football League legend Kevin Sheedy and celebrity chef Neil Perry, as well as many regular people who achieved a qualification.
“Completing an Australian Apprenticeship was one of the best things I ever did,” Sheedy, a qualified plumber, said. “The skills I learnt set me up for life.”
Megan Cox, who earned a Certificate IV in Aged Care, began a school-based apprenticeship when she was 16. She later received a Diploma of Nursing at the Canberra Institute of Technology and is now a fully qualified nurse and care manager.
“Looking back, training while I was still at school was a great option for me. Having that head start on my career was the best thing I have done.”
On September 3, Assistant Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham urged people to book an Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador through the Australian Apprenticeships website.
He was visiting the Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College in Sydney alongside Ashlee Hodson, an Ambassador and 2013 Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year.
“More than 150 people have been appointed as Apprenticeship Ambassadors to share their stories and offer valuable advice to the next generation,” Senator Birmingham stated.
His comments came as the Department for Education and Training released its third video series sharing the experiences of VET success stories, which can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube page.
