NATIONAL SKILLS WEEK - NSW CONFERENCE

Sydney was proud to host the NSW Conference of National Skills Week 2026 yesterday, with Business Sydney supporting the NSW Government and SkillsOne, in conjunction with the Founder of National Skills Week, Brian Wexham.

With the Hon. Steve Whan MP, Minister for Skills, TAFE & Tertiary Education, we brought together apprentices, educators, employers, industry leaders and policymakers to celebrate the people and ideas proving that skills change lives.

Nearly half of all new jobs created over the next decade will require VET qualifications, while 51% of Australia’s chronic skills shortages are in trades and technical occupations. These figures highlight just how important skills and vocational education are to Australia’s future.

The conference explored four powerful themes: Change a Life. Change an Industry. Change a System. Change a Community.

It was inspiring to hear from a NSW Apprentice of the Year, Australia’s WorldSkills Skillaroos, and leaders from Century 21, BuildSkills Australia, TAFE NSW and Engineers Australia.

Thank you to Brian Wexham for his vision and leadership in establishing National Skills Week and for continuing to champion the transformative power of skills.

At Business Sydney, we know that a skilled workforce is fundamental to strong businesses, a productive economy and a prosperous Sydney.

Skills don’t just build careers, they build businesses, industries and communities.