Dean Luciani
Chair
Dean Luciani is the Chief Executive Officer of Westvic Staffing Solutions based in Warrnambool, Victoria and is also the Chair of the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN). Westvic Staffing Solutions specialises in training and employment via an on hired model. This requires significant employer engagement, expertise in human resource management and industrial relations. Westvic Staffing Solutions operates under an ISO accredited quality system across six sites in Victoria.
Dean holds various management qualifications and is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served on a number of Boards in the Education and Health sectors over the last ten years. Dean has a specific interest in quality systems, corporate governance and risk management.
In 2015, Dean was invited by the Federal Government to join The Apprentice Reform Advisory Group to represent the views of industry in the policy development process from a rural and regional perspective. More recently Dean has spoken on the subject of community leadership at an OECD conference on engaging employers in skill development for the 21st century.
With over 20 years’ experience within the Vocational Education and Training Sector, in both Metropolitan and Regional areas, Dean is a strong believer in adherence to governance, underpinned by quality systems.
Darren Webster
Deputy Chair
Darren Webster is the Chief Executive Officer of Skillinvest (incorporating Longerenong College), a leading provider of education, training and employment services in Victoria and beyond. A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Darren commenced with Skillinvest in 2005 as the CFO and has moved into the role of CEO in 2017. Darren has over 10 years financial management experience in the employment and training industry and over 20 years financial management experience in the Victorian water industry. Darren is a current board member of the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), Wimmera Development Association and a previous Chairperson of the Horsham Rural City Council Audit Committee. Darren is also a life member of the Horsham Apex Club.
Paula Ryan
Director
Paula Ryan is the CEO of Goulburn Murray Group Training trading as The Apprenticeship Factory and Monarch Personnel and has undertaken this role since 2008. Paula has worked in executive and leadership roles for over 20 years, having previously been a local Primary School Principal.
Having lived in a rural region most of her life, Paula is passionate about helping and supporting local industries and businesses to create opportunities and pathways for young people. Coaching and mentoring of young people is an area of interest to Paula both personally and professionally
Philip Green
Director
Philip Green is the Chief Executive Officer of NECA Education & Careers, the premier provider of training and apprenticeship services to the Victorian electro-technology industry. Prior to his appointment in July 2014, he was a Director while working as the Executive Director of NECA Victoria, the peak industry body that represents the interests of the electrical and communications contracting industry in Australia.
Over the last 30 years, Philip has seen significant change within the electrical and education space. By leading an industry association through both the digital and renewable revolutions, periods of unpredictability and uncertainty for many, he developed a willingness to take calculated risks, an enthusiasm to try new things, and a desire to be a market leader. Philip is passionate about driving high performing teams to deliver first-rate outcomes for the business and industry.
Philip has driven a heap of change during his time as CEO for NECA Education & Careers including: the creation of practical rooms specifically developed for the delivery of LEA Tutorials, Open Registration, Structured & Coaxial Cabling, Grid Connect and Battery Storage, the installation of our very own 15 KW Hybrid Solar and Battery system, supporting the business through a complete rebrand, and is currently leading the charge to increase the engagement of women in the trade.
Robyn Goodwill
Director
Robyn Goodwill is a senior management professional with experience across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. She has a specialist background in corporate operational leadership and focuses on building strategic, high performing teams, business planning and program development in externally funded, project-based multi-disciplinary environments.
Currently, Robyn is an independent consultant supporting not-for-profit organisations by providing advice to senior executives and/or service leadership. She is a former CEO of a not-for-profit organisation in the early childhood sector and previously had a range of senior leadership roles in government and research institutes. She has qualifications in business law and previously completed a Master of Tertiary Education Management. She is a published author on the topic of engaging staff communities in new knowledge transfer strategies. Robyn is a former Board member of the Pat Cronin Foundation and the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and has served on the AEN Board as an Independent Director since 2012.
Andrew Sezonov
Director
Andrew Sezonov is the Group General Manager at WPC Group. An education into employment specialist, with over two decades experience, designing and implementing dynamic vocational training and workforce development programs for all ages – youth, young adults and transitioning mature workers.
He has been an expert advisor and lead consultant on numerous projects involving leading Australian corporates, Fortune 500 companies, as well as Governments in Australia and the USA. Andrew has studied at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and is a regular conference presenter. He was a keynote presenter at the International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship in the US.
Andrew is passionate about skilling up the next generation of young people and promoting the value and viability of vocational training pathways. When he’s not focused on skilling up the next generation, Andrew enjoys time with his family, travelling locally and abroad, and participating in various team sports.
Tracey Murphy
Director
Tracey has had a long career in the Australian Government, working in the education, skills and training and employment portfolios. She has a passion for youth policy, employment programs and Australian Apprenticeships in particular. Over her years in the public sector, she has led work developing policy and implementing programs to improve arrangements and provide the greatest support for young people and employers. She has been a long-time supporter of Group Training and the advantages and support it can provide for young people in particular. She has a strong interest in linking and using government funded programs to ensure that young people are given every opportunity to participate in the workforce and gain skills for life.
Gary Workman
Executive Director
Gary assumed the role in 2009 and leads AEN and its members on public policy and research activities, including overseeing relationships with a wide range of industry and government stakeholders.
Gary brings over 20 years experience in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, and has worked on numerous government and industry projects including the areas of workforce development, apprenticeships, OH&S and the environment.
He is a member of the Victorian Governments Apprenticeship Taskforce through the Victorian Skills Commission Office since 2016.
Gary is also an ambassador for the Bullyzero Australia Foundation which supports the awareness of workplace bullying and mental health issues.