Whether it’s for NAPLAN scores or low educational attainment, our status as a regional state means we don’t get the same breadth of education that our mainland counterparts can.

That’s not to say we don’t have good teachers here, or that you can’t be a success in Tasmania – because that simply isn’t true.

But one thing that I can’t wrap my head around is why we value one form of education over another.

As part of many conversations I’ve had around the education state of play in Tasmania, there is one thing that continually gets said – that people in the community don’t value vocational education.

Having a trade used to be something to aspire to – you were lucky if you were able to get one.

Now, they are looked down upon and seen as not the equal to holding a university degree.

If vocational education offers real-world industry-led experience-based education, then arguably, having a qualification in that area would be held in higher regard among the community.

Tasmania, along with the rest of the country, is experiencing an apprentice and trainee crisis.

But it appears our state would have more to lose, with our key growth areas, such as tourism, hospitality and construction the areas where skill shortages are most evident.

This month, The Examiner has been urging our young people to consider a future in the trades industry and to Pick up the Tools.

University is not for everyone, and neither is VET but I believe more conversations should be held about the VET pathway to encourage more people to take that path.

Education can come in many forms, but it is the key for all Tasmanian students to create their own success story.