National Skills Week is an annual initiative in Australia, scheduled for this week 25–31 August, aimed at promoting the value and diversity of Vocational Education and Training (VET). Now in its 15th year, it serves as a platform to to raise the status of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector by raising awareness and educating parents, school leavers, upskillers, career changers and job seekers of the myriad rewarding, lucrative and prestigious career pathways available through VET.
The 2025 theme, “Explore ALL the Options,” encourages individuals to consider a wide range of educational and career pathways, emphasizing opportunities in regional and remote areas, as well as various training formats.
Steve Whan, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education of New South Wales said:
“Skills are the backbone of NSW, and we’re backing our apprentices, trainees and students this National Skills Week.”
“For young people exploring their future, or for anyone looking to retrain or upskill, National Skills Week is a reminder that vocational education can lead to secure, rewarding, and meaningful careers.”
In the 2025-26 Budget, the NSW Government made its largest ever investment in skills and TAFE of $3.4 billion to ensure the state has the skilled workers required to meet its economic needs. The funding backs apprentices and trainees by making apprenticeships and traineeships fee-free, which will help achieve priorities outlined in the NSW Skills Plan 2024-28.
For more information or to get involved, visit: nationalskillsweek.com.au.