Skills NSW

National Skills Week 2026 – Life Changing

National Skills Week celebrates the skills, people and pathways that shape careers, strengthen communities and support the future workforce.

National Skills Week 2026 will be held from 24–30 August (Term 3, Week 6).

This year’s theme, Life Changing, highlights how skills can build confidence, create opportunities and lead to rewarding careers. Skills can begin at school through vocational education, training, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment.

Throughout the week, we will celebrate the students, staff, employers and programs helping people develop practical skills and explore new opportunities.

How schools can get involved

Schools and preschools can:

• Create a Skills shoutout board: using the rocket templates in the Skills shoutout board toolkit.

• Dress as a tradie and explore the skills used across different jobs and industries.

• Recognise VET students, apprentices and trainees and celebrate their achievements.
  

• Share your celebrations through school newsletters, websites and social media.

For employers and external partners

Employers are encouraged to recognise the apprentices, trainees and school-based apprentices and trainees in their workplace.

Buy them a cuppa, thank them for their contribution, celebrate the skills they are developing and share on their channels using the hashtags #SkillsNSW and #NationalSkillsWeek.

Industry bodies, training providers and community organisations can also support the week by sharing stories, resources and National Skills Week content.

NSW Training Awards

The 2026 NSW Training Awards State Ceremony was held on Tuesday 25 August at Sydney Town Hall.

The awards celebrate outstanding students, apprentices, trainees, teachers, training providers and employers from across NSW.

Meet the 2026 NSW Training Awards winners.

Skills NSW latest news

Skills NSW Social media