TV program showcases trade skills

A new Federal Government initiative will spread some good news aimed to help address the chronic trade workforce shortage in the likes of Australia's apparel industry.

The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence recently launched SkillsOne Television - Australia's first dedicated TV channel to shed some positive light on the nation's trades in an attempt to lure more people into them.

At a glittering launch of the initiative in Sydney, federal minister for vocational and further education Andrew Robb said the TV program would help raise the awareness and status of the trades at a time when the nation is facing a skills and labour shortage.

The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence was set up by the Howard Government in 2004 with funding totalling $22 million over four years.

The Institute aims to promote and advance learning, teaching and training in Australian trades education.
As well as the TV launch the Institute is developing a star rating scheme that will recognise high performing training organisations by awarding a one, two or three star rating for quality trade training.

The scheme will provide students with a helpful, easily understood guideline as to the calibre of the institution they are considering.

The Institute will also recognise excellence in teaching for skills and trade teachers through the Trade Teacher of the Year Awards which will be held in November.

Complementing the SkillsOne Television is a website - skillsone.com.au - which is designed to create a home for anyone interested in or involved in the trade skills area.

SkillsOne TV will air on Foxtel on the Auroroa Community channel for 18 hours a week with content created by young film makers committed to creating a wide-ranging library of films, programs and resources about the massive array of Australians' technical skills.

It is estimated that by 2012 there would be 200,000 more jobs in Australia than people to fill them, the vast majority of which would be in skilled trades.