The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) is marking National Skills Week by highlighting the life-changing role that public vocational education plays in helping Victorians gain skills, secure meaningful employment and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
The theme for National Skills Week 2026, “Life Changing”, highlights the transformative power of vocational education and training.
From school leavers taking their first step into the workforce, to workers retraining in emerging industries, to adults returning to study to pursue a new career – TAFEs and dual sector universities continue to open doors and change lives across Victoria.
VTA Chief Executive Officer Alex White said the theme reflects the experiences of hundreds of thousands of Victorians whose lives have been transformed through access to quality vocational education.
“Every day across Victoria, TAFE delivers life-changing opportunities for people seeking a better future.”
“Whether it’s a young person beginning their career, a parent returning to the workforce, or someone retraining for a new industry, 91 percent of TAFE learners achieve their employment goals.”
Mr White said the impact of TAFE extends well beyond individual learners.
“When we invest in TAFE, the benefits are felt by employers who gain access to skilled workers, by industries facing workforce shortages, and by communities that depend on essential services delivered by highly trained professionals.”
Victoria’s public TAFE network plays a critical role for industries experiencing significant skills demand, including healthcare, early childhood education, aged care, construction, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technology and community services.
Mr White said TAFE’s unique public mission ensures education and training opportunities remain accessible to all Victorians, regardless of their background or postcode.
“TAFE is one of the most powerful tools for social and economic inclusion in Victoria. It provides people with practical skills that lead directly to secure, well-paid employment.”
“National Skills Week is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of TAFE students, teachers and staff, and to recognise the vital contribution public vocational education makes to improving the lives of all Victorians.”
91 per cent of TAFE students achieve their employment goals, ensuring Victoria gets the skilled workers we need to keep critical services and programs running.
Throughout National Skills Week, the VTA is encouraging Victorians to learn more about the wide range of opportunities available through Victoria’s TAFE sector and to hear the stories of students whose lives have been changed through skills and training.
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ENDS
Media contact
Jenny Stramilos
Strategic Communications Manager
Victorian TAFE Association
jstramilos@vta.vic.edu.au
0412 870 220
About the Victorian TAFE Association
The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) is the peak body for the Victorian TAFE sector, comprising Victoria’s 12 TAFE Institutes, four dual sector universities and AMES Australia. We proudly champion public vocational education and training (VET) with a focus on sustainability, quality, and outcomes for learners, industry, and community.