National Skills Week launched at South Bank

COCONUTS and coffee were in hot demand and TAFE Queensland students were on show when Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath officially launched Queensland National Skills Week in Brisbane today.

The breakfast event in the Epicurious Garden at South Bank Parklands attracted stakeholders from across vocational education and training and marked the start of a week of activities promoting the industry.

TAFE Queensland, whose students provided catering and other skills demonstrations for guests, announced its sponsorship of the Epicurious Garden at the breakfast.

Mrs D’Ath said National Skills Week was an opportunity to spread the word about the important role of vocational education and training.

“Jobs are this government’s number one priority, so it’s vital that we give people access to the training they need to gain real jobs and opportunities – regardless of where they live or their circumstances,” she said.

“We have demonstrated how serious we are in the 2015–16 Annual VET Investment Plan, which at $754.6 million injects an extra $139 million into skills and training this year.

“It’s why we’re bringing back the highly successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, as just one example, with its emphasis on community-based training and support for unemployed and under-employed people.

“This financial year Skilling Queenslanders for Work alone will help up to 8000 Queenslanders gain the qualifications and skills needed to enter and stay in the workforce.

“Initiatives like Skilling Queenslanders for Work, the continuing training provision available under programs such as User Choice and the Certificate 3 Guarantee, and annual grants provided to public VET providers to continue to support their effective operation, will give Queenslanders the skills boost they need to get a great job or advance in their chosen careers.”

Mrs D’Ath said TAFE Queensland’s sponsorship of the inner-city volunteer-managed Epicurious Garden was an exciting prospect.

“This garden features edible plants, fruits, vegetables and herbs, and is open for all Queenslanders to visit and enjoy.

“For TAFE students in diverse fields such as cookery, floristry and horticulture or health and fitness, it will be a great and attractive learning resource.

“Fitness students have conducted a yoga class here today in one the quadrants of the garden. I can’t think of a better place to grow your skills.”

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