TAFE NSW is marking National Skills Week 2026 by highlighting students such as Bendemeer’s Ava Gregory, who is using vocational education to build a career in the mining industry.
With four in five (82 per cent) Australian businesses reporting skills shortages last year, practical, industry-focused training is helping people pursue new career opportunities while developing the workforce needed to support NSW’s future economic growth.
For Ava, studying at TAFE NSW has been life-changing, giving her the skills, confidence and direction to pursue the mining career she has always wanted.
Ava grew up around agriculture and worked in her father’s fencing contracting business, developing an interest in hands-on work and taking on new challenges. She completed a two-year Certificate II in Agriculture in just 11 months and has also completed a Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation.
She is now determined to forge her own path in the mining and heavy vehicle industries and is encouraging other women to consider careers in fields where they are underrepresented.
Ava is applying for jobs in Queensland and Western Australia, where she plans to use her qualifications to work with heavy machinery, including trucks and excavators.
“Doing a two-year course in 11 months pushed me to my limits, but I wanted to challenge myself and get the qualifications I need to start my career in the mining industry. I know mining is a male-dominated industry, but thatshouldn’tstop women fromhaving a go. Women shouldn’tletthe stereotype that certain jobs are only for men hold them back,” Ava said.
“Completing the TAFE NSW courses changedmy life and gave me the skills I need to land a dreamjob in the mines. I’m excited about what the future holds,” she continued.
Vocational education continues to deliver strong employment outcomes, with Jobs and Skills Australia data showing 88 per cent of VET graduates are employed after completing their qualification and median income increases by $14,100 in the year following completion.^2
Minister for TAFE, Skills and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said Ava’s story demonstrated the role skills training could play in changing lives and strengthening communities.
“Skills change lives. That’s why National Skills Week is such an important opportunity to celebrate the people building new futures through vocational education and training.”
“TAFE NSWdelivers the skills that work, helps people get into jobs, transition to new careers and build the confidence to take on new opportunities.”
“The days of having one job for life are becoming less common. More people are retraining, adapting and building new skills throughout their careers, and TAFE NSW is helping them do exactly that.”
“The impact goes well beyond what’s on paper. Stories like Ava’s show how skills training and VET can transform lives and communities.”
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