In response, National Skills Week in 2021 is inviting Australians to 'RE-THINK': re-think their ideas of what vocational education and training is all about and re-think the role it can play in preparing people for the future of work in a post-pandemic society.

In its 11th year and held from August 23 to 29, the week follows a 2021 Federal Budget that highlighted the need for training in high-demand sectors and new careers, as federal and state governments look to decrease unemployment and restore the economy.

The Budget further developed the $1 billion JobTrainer initiative announced last year to make training courses in fields with increased demand more accessible to young people, like information technology, aged care, disability support and trades.

National Skills Week's vision is to raise awareness of the diversity of careers that vocational education and training can lead to, the skills needed for an economically viable future and the variety of new jobs and expertise in demand for the future.

The week's focus will be on challenging perceptions of VET, reimagining ideas for young people to take on their careers and reassess the value of the VET sector, particularly in the pursuit of economic recovery.

National Skills Week chairman, Brian Wexham, said it was imperative to educate all people - job seekers, school leavers and influencers - on the practical career pathways available.

"This initiative is designed to achieve real, transformative outcomes for Australian people - to inspire people to undertake active, participative education and training that VET provides resulting in skills that can realise immediate rewards in jobs, success and contribute to building our economy," he said.

"Advocating for the many pathways to success helps us to articulate the solution. That's at the core of National Skills Week."

Mr Wexham went on to say the week played a pivotal role in educating parents, students and jobseekers about the numerous careers possible.

He encouraged them to re-think about matching their own passions and strengths with career outcomes.

From the 2021 Budget, Australians can infer the future of jobs will include a broad scope of practical and vocational occupations, including digital skills and IT, artificial intelligence, aviation technologies, manufacturing, aged care, and disability care.

"The government is injecting billions of dollars into these industries ahead of the forecast job proliferation in these sectors," Mr Wexham said.

"This will inevitably require resources and programs to provide practical training for job seekers, which initiatives like National Skills Week aim to promote."

There are several National Skills Week events planned around the country, subject to COVID restrictions.

Visit the website nationalskillsweek.com.au/events/ to see if something is happening near you.