Apprenticeship Employment Network

AEN Newsletter - 27 June 2025


July
Adopting Mindful Living & Working
Conduct Hazard Analysis Course
Drugs, Alcohol & Workplace Risks
IR Introduction Network Meeting

August
GTO Managers Meeting
Mastering Constructive Feedback
AEN Mid-Year Conference

Building and Construction Foundation Gala Dinner

Last night we were honoured to join hundreds of other guests for the Building and Construction Foundation's Inaugural Black Tie Gala Fundraiser Dinner at the Melbourne Plaza Ballroom.

The event united guests from across the building and construction sector to raise funds for scholarships to support individuals facing barriers to education and career opportunities in the construction industry.

The night was a huge hit filled with entertainment and networking and raised over $150,000 in pledges also awarded four Mario Biasin Legacy Scholarships of $2,500 and $5,000, one of which was awarded to Madison Barnett, a carpentry apprentice with AGA.

Congratulations to Sarah Abraham and the team on the success of the event and the great work they do in supporting the building and construction sector.

Keep an eye out for updates at Building & Construction Foundation.

NSW, Queensland & WA State Budgets

This week NSW, Queensland & WA State Budgets were released, with the WA government announcing funding for apprenticeship programs including GTOs.

New South Wales 2025-26 State Budget

Western Australia 2025-26 State Budget

Queensland 2025-26 State Budget

Review of Liberal Party’s 2025 Federal Election Campaign

The review of the Liberal Party’s 2025 federal election campaign has been established and is now seeking submissions.

The review will be conducted the Hon. Pru Goward AO and the Hon. Nick Minchin AO.

The terms of reference for the review are:
To conduct a review of the Liberal Party’s 2025 federal election result, including the campaign and the parliamentary term, and to make recommendations arising from the review.

The review will include examination of the performance of -and lessons arising for – the Federal Secretariat/CCHQ, the Parliamentary party, the Divisions of the Liberal Party (including the Country Liberal Party’s campaign in Solomon), and consultants and service providers used by the Party.

The review will also examine, among other things:
  • An historically low primary vote for the Liberal Party.
  • The Party’s electoral performance among different voter segments.
  • The long-term challenge for the Party presented by ‘independents’.
The review will consult with relevant subject matter experts.

Further relevant matters may be considered as the review progresses, where they are judged to have a material bearing on the Party’s electoral prospects.

All members and supporters are welcome to make submissions to the review by emailing review@liberal.org.au.

For more information visit the Liberal Party of Australia.

The Final Super Guarantee Rate Increase

The super guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% on 1 July 2025. The 12% rate will need to be applied for all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on and after 1 July. This is even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July. This is the final scheduled increase outlined by the government.

Remember to pay SG in full, on time and to the right fund. The next quarterly due date is 28 July. Contributions must be paid quarterly but can be paid more frequently.

For more information Australian Taxation Office.

Inquiry Investigates Student Pathways to In-Demand Industries

Victoria’s future employment needs are the focus of a new parliamentary inquiry that is inviting public submissions. The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee is examining the pathways that will link students to industries that are vital to Victoria’s economic development and that need skilled employees into the future.

“This is an important inquiry because actions taken today will help to determine the future economic success of our state,” Committee Chair Alison Marchant said. By 2034, over 1.4 million new workers are expected to enter the Victorian workforce to meet the demands of the economy and replace retirees. Over 85% of expected new workers in Victoria will need a post-secondary qualification to gain employment over the next decade. “This inquiry will be examining the types of support students need to gain employment in industries that are in demand,” Ms Marchant said.

The Committee is looking at how to guide and support students to pursue employment in industries that are in demand, such as health care, social assistance and construction, among others.

They will examine pathways into vocational education and training and higher education, how well school career development is meeting the needs of students and industry, and how to better support regional students, female students wanting to work in male-dominated industries and students facing disadvantage to pursue pathways into in-demand industries.

Submissions can be made online until 1 August 2025.

Please note that AEN plan to make a submission and will provide a draft for further consultation with members.

For more information visit Parliament of Victoria.
This year’s National NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations, and the theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.

The 2025 theme, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision within communities, and the legacy of ancestors.

The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful national celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As this 50-year legacy is commemorated, the focus also turns forward, honoring the next generation who will carry the torch, shaping the future with courage, insight, and deep respect for their roots. Guided by the wisdom of Elders and the groundwork laid by forebears, each NAIDOC Week reinforces a vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.

For more information visit NAIDOC Week.

The Edge Foundation Grants & Scholarships

The Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Australia is excited to provide 8 x $1000 scholarships through its The Edge Foundation Grants and Scholarships program again for 2025.

The Edge Foundation honours the work of the late Judith Wright, poet, environmentalist and campaigner for Aboriginal Land Rights and recipient of the Australian National Living Treasure Award in 1998.

This scholarship is committed to recognising and promoting the youth training and career work undertaken by Group Training Organisations and the Apprentice Employment Network in each state.

Selection Process
This is open to current apprentices and trainees under the age of 21 employed by a Group Training Organisation that is an AEN member in that state. Apprentices or Trainees must be in employment as of 30th June 2025.

The scholarship is to be used for career development. It cannot be used to purchase items unrelated to their apprenticeship or traineeship.

8 x $1000 scholarships are available. Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT intend to provide one scholarship per Australian state or territory. Should there be no nominations from a state or territory, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards reserves the right to reallocate the unused funds to another state to issue.

To make a nomination, Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT will ask the apprentice/trainee (or Field Officer, should the individual have a barrier to present) to submit a 60-second video. In the video, they will need to tell us the following:
  • Who are they, and where are they from?
  • What is their apprenticeship or traineeship?
  • What are their career ambitions?
  • How will a $1000 scholarship help them achieve their career ambitions?
The more information they share about themselves, the better the judges understand their story. They can provide a PDF file containing their resume and other supporting documentation with the nomination.

Applications close Friday 8th August 2025.

For more information and to apply visit Apprentice Employment Network.
Now moving into its fifteenth year, National Skills Week will again set out to bring to life the positive messages, highlighting the talents, the skills, the career pathways and the value of apprentices and trainees across Australia to the wider public and employers. The week is dedicated to raising the status of skills and vocational learning.

Past years achieved much, with unparalleled media coverage accompanied by the practical inclusions of over 500 known events taking place across the country delivering engaging and inspirational messages, promoting the VET sector generally.

National Skills Week is an initiative of SkillsOne, who will once again be driving the initiative working with government and stakeholders to achieve unique and beneficial outcomes, accompanied and supported by unprecedented media coverage.

For more information visit National Skills Week.

Laying the foundations: how foundation skills shape VET learner outcomes

The latest NCVER report found that students who undertake foundation skills programs alongside other VET programs are more likely to complete their studies and secure employment.

The research also highlights clear differences between two student groups and how foundation skills training is used, demonstrating that language background shapes educational pathways and outcomes.

2025 Events

Adopting Mindful Living and Working

Uncover how living in the moment builds a richer and more meaningful life, career, and relationships. Explore how to be more present and purposeful in your decisions and actions, rather than reactive or on autopilot.

In this interactive session, led by Martin Probst, a leading expert in human-centred leadership, we will explore how ‘stepping back’ and ‘stepping into’ experiences can open your mind to curiosity, creativity, and effectiveness.

Date: Wednesday 9 July 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: Online via Zoom

Conduct Hazard Analysis Course

A Statement of Attainment containing the following units of competency will be awarded to students who are deemed competent in the training & assessment.

MSMWHS201: Conduct Hazard Analysis
LLN: Language, Literacy and Numeracy Test

Date: Tuesday 22 July 2025
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Delivery: AEN Office (83 Hobsons Road, Kensington)

Drugs, Alcohol & Workplace Risks

The misuse of alcohol and drugs has a significant negative impact on Australian business. It is a work health and safety matter demanding attention of both workers and management.

Date: Tuesday 29 July 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: In Person ONLY

Out of Trade Apprentice Program

Apprenticeships
Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 1,323 participants have been supported to date, with 82% being male and 18% female.

Apprentices and trainees who have lost employment are encouraged to register.

Once registered, apprentices and trainees will be assisted by one of our program officers until placed with a host employer through a Group Training Organisation (GTO), or directly with an employer.

Head on over to GAN Australia and subscribe to the newsletter to be kept up to date with everything that’s happening with GAN Australia and the wider VET sector?
GAN-Subscribe-to-Newsletter-New-Logo

Thanks to our Industry Partners

ApprenticeshipSupportAustralia
An image of...
Aus-Super_Logo_Horiz_Pos_CMYK (002)
Gallagher_wTAG_StackedLarge-3D
GAN Australia Logo
SafetyFirst

Follow us

facebook youtube linkedin instagram 
newsletter-footer