Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan rolled up his sleeves to try bricklaying, patching holes in plaster and virtual earth excavation as part of an initiative promoting the value of vocational education and training.

Minister Whan joined almost 300 NSW Department of Education employees in Parramatta on August 25 for the Try A Trade event, which aimed to give participants hands on experience so they could better support and promote vocational pathways to students.

Participants moved between activity stations include Yamaha's mechanics station, The Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries of NSW's plastering station, The Management Edge's horticulture and bricklaying stations and Mobile Training's plant operation and virtual reality excavation station.

Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School fitness students showed participants cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques and took their blood pressure, including Minister Whan's.

Meanwhile Richmond High School construction students built a dog kennel from scratch on site and Bomaderry High School teachers guided participants through an augmented reality welding activity.

Minister Whan said National Skills Week was a celebration of the people building the skilled workforce NSW needs now and into the future.

“We know vocational education and training gives people the skills that work, real confidence and a pathway into rewarding careers," he said.

“We know strong skills mean stronger communities, a stronger workforce and a stronger economy.

“From apprentices and trainees to teachers, trainers and employers, every one of them plays a vital role in helping NSW meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Training Services Executive Director Amanda Lawrence said the event "gave me, and many of our corporate staff, a whole new appreciation for the skills, patience and accuracy that tradies bring to their work every day".

"Behind every skilled trade is technical knowledge, precision and ongoing practice," Ms Lawrence said. "These are the capabilities our VET system helps develop every day, creating a skilled workforce that supports communities and industry across NSW."

The event was held on the same day as the NSW Training Awards, where Yanco Agricultural High School's Charlie Degnan won the VET in Schools Student of the Year category and Ulladulla High School's Annie-Maree Martin won the SBAT of the Year category.