In a world where careers are changing fast, the smartest move might be… combining your study options
National Skills Week (25–31 August 2025) is here to shine a light on how vocational education and training (VET) and university can work together to help you land in-demand, meaningful jobs – and keep your skills future-ready.
The facts speak for themselves: Jobs and Skills Australia predicts over 90% of new jobs in the next decade will need post-school qualifications. Around half will require VET qualifications, the other half a bachelor degree or higher – so both matter. Even better, they can work in tandem: VET can be a direct pathway into university, give uni grads practical, job-ready skills, or even help you get your high school certificate and ATAR.
In the past year, two-thirds of new jobs created were in occupations linked to VET – showing just how valuable hands-on training is. From early childhood educators and nurses to energy grid specialists, sustainable agriculture innovators and advanced manufacturing experts, VET plays a key role in filling skills shortages in industries that matter.
Industry leaders agree. National Skills Week Chair Brian Wexham says, “Collaboration is key in providing a unique blend of talent and ensures the Australian economy benefits from a highly skilled and productive workforce for the jobs now, and importantly, the jobs of the future.”
Or, as UQ Skills CEO Dane Ivicevic puts it: “It’s not just a pathway, it’s a spark.”
So, whether you’re planning to start with VET, head straight to uni, or mix both, this National Skills Week is all about exploring your options. Because the right combination of qualifications could be your passport to a career that’s not just successful – but deeply satisfying.
VET success story
Paramedicine student Lawson Connor may not have been accepted into his dream university course if not for vocational education and training.
Lawson, the 2024 ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the year, suffers from health issues and spending time in hospital led to an interest in pursuing a career in health.
He was encouraged to complete an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship in Year 10, through which he completed a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance. It included more than 100 hours of practical placement in various healthcare sectors.
“It was from this experience that I knew I definitely want to do paramedicine, given my personal experience with the ambulance service,” he says.
“It was always at the back of my mind that paramedicine was an option but having the proper work experience in the healthcare system, I knew paramedicine is definitely what I wanted to do.
“I wasn’t able to get an ATAR because I hadn’t fulfilled the requirements, because I’d missed so much of school (through his health issues). But with the Certificate III, I realised I could use this as a pathway.
“A lot of stress is put on to students to get an ATAR and I’m very lucky I didn’t have that pressure.”
A certificate III or higher vocational qualification is recognised by many universities for admission into undergraduate courses.
Lawson is also currently working as a Triple 0 call taker and is enrolled to study a paramedicine degree.
