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AEN Newsletter - 8 August 2025
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AI Unpacked: What it Means for Work, Life and the Future
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Mastering Constructive Feedback
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Privacy in Action: What you need to Know
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Stressing Less, Living More
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Nominate now for the Indigenous Student of the Year Award
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Do you know an outstanding Indigenous Apprentice or Trainee who is making a difference in their community and excelling in their work and studies?
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With over 200 Indigenous individuals proudly employed across our network, now is the time to recognise their achievements and celebrate their journey by nominating them for the Indigenous Student of the Year Award.
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Nominations can be made by Group Training Organisations, client organisations, and professional bodies or the individual themselves.
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Nominate today and be a part of this extraordinary celebration of excellence!
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Nominations close Monday 11 August 2025 at 11.59pm.
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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.
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The week is dedicated to raising the status of skills and vocational learning.
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From 25–31 August invites all Australians to explore all the options when thinking about education, training and the next step in their career journey.
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From school-based VET, micro credentials and apprenticeships through to pathways into higher education or career change - no two journeys look the same.
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Recently the 2025 Victorian Training Awards finalists were announced.
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The Victorian Training Awards recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.
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As always, they have received a high calibre of applications this year and are proud to introduce the 2025 finalists.
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Gala ceremony: Friday 19 September 2025
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New Report Reveals Power of Apprenticeships
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The MEGT Productivity Prospectus supported by Deloitte access economics team released earlier this week reveals apprenticeship commencements are now 30 per cent lower than a decade ago, with around 60,000 fewer new apprentices starting each year.
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As a share of the working age population, commencements are at their lowest point on record. Yet with the right investment and support, the report shows we can reverse the trend - and capture billions in economic and social value.
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Key Findings
A $4–5 billion investment in targeted incentives could deliver:
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- 320,000 additional apprenticeship completions over the next decade
- $11.8 billion in additional lifetime income for individuals
- $14.4 billion in broader economic benefits, including higher tax revenues and productivity gains
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Why It Matters
Despite clear benefits, only 1 in 10 businesses currently employs an apprentice. The recent rise in completions during the pandemic was driven by temporary subsidies. Without action, the long-term decline is set to continue.
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In 2024 alone, 33,100 people applied for apprenticeships but were unsuccessful showing demand exists, but more support is needed for employers and jobseekers alike.
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Four Actions to Unlock Apprenticeship Growth
The Productivity Prospectus outlines four key recommendations to increase apprenticeship numbers and completion rates:
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- Introduce meaningful employer incentives for a wide range of qualifications, especially in priority industries.
- Expand employer support services to simplify the process of taking on an apprentice.
- Enhance apprentice support models to boost preparation, retention and post-training outcomes.
- Deliver these changes as a unified, modernised package within a more flexible and innovative training system.
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“If we want to build more homes, transition to clean energy, and meet growing care needs, we need a pipeline of skilled workers,” said MEGT CEO, Matthew Hick.
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“Apprenticeships are the fastest and most direct way to get there and now we have the data to show just how valuable they are to the economy.”
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Congratulations to the team at MEGT on the report,
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For more information visit MEGT.
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The Gender Economic Equality Study examines the gendered nature of the world of work and education, skills and training.
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For example, how workforce participation, education choices, career progression and pay gaps are gendered, and how we can offer public policy solutions.
Two key challenges are highlighted:
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- How education choices, divides and outcomes are shaped by gender.
- How these intersect with the gender make-up of jobs and industries across Australia.
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The study uses an intersectional approach to consider how factors like cultural identity, First Nations status, geography, disability and caregiving responsibilities amongst others interact with gender, to create unique experiences of privilege, disadvantage and discrimination.
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By addressing these overlapping challenges, JSA aims to present evidence to assist with the development of policies that reflect the real-world experiences of Australia’s diverse labour market.
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Jobs and Skills Australia will publish two more papers later in the year.
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The report highlights a few examples of traineeships and other earn while you learn models in the digital and tech sector, but more needs to be done to enable these pathways.
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The report provides a roadmap of 12 recommendations to address opportunities in five critical areas:
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- Increase awareness and engagement
- Strengthen funding mechanisms
- Make qualifications more attractive
- Simplify the system
- Develop and trial new models
Future Skills Organisation will be speaking at AEN Mid-Year Conference on 27 & 28 August.
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This week the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance released their 2025 Manufacturing Workforce Plan which reflects the sector’s ambition and readiness to lead in innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness.
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In developing this plan, they have engaged extensively with industry to understand current challenges, anticipate future needs and gather sector-wide feedback.
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The Local Jobs Program’s Local Jobs, Local People Grant opportunity will fund activities addressing local employment needs, supporting individuals and help people get jobs, access training, and create pathways leading to jobs across Australia.
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Activities can support anyone who is unemployed or underemployed and needs help connecting with work.
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- Objectives of the Local Jobs, Local People Grant opportunity
Deliver short-term activities to address priorities identified in the Local Jobs Plan for the relevant Employment Region
- Offer activities leading to ongoing, secure employment or that build clear pathways to employment for community members who experience barriers to employment, such as:
- First Nations peoples
- mature age Australians over 45
- migrants, refugees and humanitarian visa holders (with work rights)
- young people up to 24 years of age
Help realise the opportunity for local employment in sectors that are critical to Australia’s growth, such as:
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- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Care and Support
- Digital and Emerging Technologies
- Energy Transition
Grant opportunity applications
Applications for the Local Jobs, Local People Grant opportunity are now open.
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Applications can be lodged between 16:00 hours (4 pm) (AEST) on Thursday 31 July 2025 and 21:00 hours (9 pm) (AEST) on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
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The theme for this year's National Bullying Prevention Week is Act On It! We're calling on all Australians to step up and take safe, confident action when bullying happens - in the moment.
We’re shining a spotlight on courage transforming bystanders into upstanders.
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Whether you’ve experienced bullying or not, whether you’re already an Actionist or just curious there’s a role for everyone.
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From schools to workplaces, concerned parents and citizens, we’ve got ideas and tools to help you Act On It, and spread the message.
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For more information and resources visit Bully Zero.
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Inclusive Employment Australia Launch
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A new program called Inclusive Employment Australia will replace the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program. It will focus on helping people with disability, illness or injury to prepare for, find and maintain employment.
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The minister Hon Tanya Plibersek this week announced the successful new service providers that will commence on 1 November 2025.
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The Inclusive Employment Australia service providers will improve and simplify services for job seekers, employers and providers and place participants at the centre of the service.
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More people will be eligible to take part in the new program including:
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- those with an assessed work capacity of less than 8 hours per week
- voluntary participants not getting a Centrelink income support payment.
There will also no longer be a two-year limit on the time you can stay in the program.
The new program will offer:
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- intensive support for people who are preparing to be ready to work
- flexible support for people who don’t need intensive services.
If you already get support through the current DES program, you will:
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- get individual communication and information about the new program before it starts
- continue to get the services you get now.
You will need to continue to attend all appointments, job interviews and activities that are organised for you. If you don’t, your payment may be affected.
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The Edge Foundation Grants & Scholarships
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The scholarship is to be used for career development. It cannot be used to purchase items unrelated to their apprenticeship or traineeship.
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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.
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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:
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- 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.
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Applications have been extended and will now close on Saturday 16 August 2025.
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GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE Set a Date for Amalgamation
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GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE have announced that their planned amalgamation will take effect on 1 January 2026.
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This decision provides strategic benefits to the region, strengthening regional education outcomes. These include:
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- Equity of access to education for students across a wider region;
- Expanded course offerings and stronger pathways; and
- Strengthening industry partnerships, ensuring students have more access to knowledge and experiences that align with industry demands.
The organisations will continue to focus on quality education delivery, and there will be no change to the student experience.
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For more information visit GOTAFE.
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The GAN Global Annual Report 2024–25 highlights a decade of impact in promoting quality apprenticeships and work-based learning (WBL) as essential tools for building inclusive, future-ready workforces.
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Over the past year, GAN expanded its global reach with new initiatives in the U.S. and India, launched the Corporate Champions for Apprenticeships, and deepened its engagement with governments, businesses, and training providers.
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The report emphasises GAN’s commitment to inclusion, notably through programs supporting apprenticeships for people with disabilities and vulnerable communities. As digitalisation and clean energy transitions reshape the labor market, GAN continues to champion apprenticeships as a key driver of economic growth, social mobility, and lifelong learning.
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2025 Events
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Join us for an engaging session exploring the world of Artificial Intelligence. This session offers a broad introduction to AI what it is, how it’s being used across different industries, and what it means for the future of work and everyday life.
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Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, the session will provide accessible insights into current applications, emerging trends, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. No technical background is required just an interest in how this rapidly evolving technology is shaping the world around us.
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Date: Wednesday 13 August 2025
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: AEN Office (83 Hobsons Road, Kensington)
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We are all familiar with the process of receiving and giving feedback but often lack the tools to make it a graceful, constructive, and positive experience. Feedback can be challenging to deliver, but when handled effectively, it fosters growth and contributes to a positive work environment.
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In this engaging workshop, award-winning facilitator Martin Probst will provide you with the skills to confidently lead feedback conversations while minimising push-backs by establishing a feedback-ready culture. You will leave with powerful feedback techniques designed to promote growth and development in yourself and others.
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Date: Wednesday 20 August 2025
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: Online via Zoom
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In a world where information is constantly shared and accessed, understanding privacy is more important than ever. Join us for an insightful session designed to unpack the principles of privacy and why they matter in both professional and everyday settings.
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Whether you’re handling personal data at work or navigating digital spaces in daily life, this session will provide practical guidance on protecting information, recognising privacy risks, and maintaining confidentiality. Build your awareness, strengthen your confidence, and take proactive steps toward responsible data handling.
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Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Delivery: AEN Office (83 Hobsons Road, Kensington)
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Since the program commenced in May 2020, a total of 1,335 participants have been supported to date, with 82% being male and 18% female.
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Apprentices and trainees who have lost employment are encouraged to register.
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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.
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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?
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Thanks to our Industry Partners
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