Scott Cam's surprise ambassadorial appointment
Scott Cam, the host of TV renovation show The Block, has been announced as Australia's first national careers ambassador.
Despite losing some respect among viewers in the latest series, the Gold Logie winner has been appointed by the Employment and Skills Minister Michaelia Cash.
His role will be to highlight how practical and technical training can lead to high-paying and fulfilling jobs.
"Anybody who is thinking twice about getting a trade just needs to look at Scott Cam and his success," she said.
"Anything is possible by pursuing vocational training."
The Prime Minister Scott Morrison said university, which had become the default expectation for young people, wasn't the only path to success.
"Scott Cam is proof that undertaking a trade can be a very valuable, rewarding and successful career choice, and there are plenty more who can tell a similar story to Scott."
Cam is a qualified carpenter who ran his own business before shooting to fame on the television.
Mr Morrison is hopeful the appointment will encourage more people to get technical, trade and practical skills.
"By learning a trade you'll earn more, your skills will be in demand and you'll help build our country and keep our economy strong," he said.
Employment and Skills Minister Michaelia Cash said vocational education and training was key to building Australia's future workforce.
She said Cam would help Australians at "all ages and stages" to make informed decisions about learning, training and work.
“Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash, reinforces the change in approach now being taken by the Government to ensure vocational education and the careers on offer are seen by young people, their parents and educators, as the pathway to an inspiring and long term career,” she said.
“As an apprentice carpenter, builder and business owner, Scott Cam has been giving back to the housing industry and sharing his passion and insights with young people as HIA’s Ambassador since 2017.
“Scott has worked with HIA to help raise the profile of a career in the housing industry. His own career shows how completing a trade can be the beginning of an exciting future."
HIA has been encouraged by the COAG Skills Council’s adoption of a vision for skills in Australia at their August meeting, on the back of the Government’s commitment to vocational education in the federal budget.
“It certainly feels like the tide is turning on the bias towards university education as the best way to build a career,” concluded Ms Brookfield.