Footballers kick goals for trades

Footy players are inspiring young Australians off the paddock as well as on it by speaking out to promote apprenticeships.

Rugby league and AFL stars are sharing their tales of taking up apprenticeships in a bid to highlight the value of trades to school leavers and other people looking to learn new skills.

"I'm usually more of an AFL fan than a league enthusiast but these guys get my vote for what they've been able to achieve off the field with an apprenticeship under their belt," federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said at the launch of the videos for national skills week.