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
Gideon Perrot
Director
Gideon was appointed CEO of NECA Education & Careers in June 2022.
Gideon spent much of his early career in banking, leading large sales, service and marketing teams at both ANZ and NAB in Melbourne. Plus, he consulted to a number of banks, including Standard Chartered Bank and Thai Danu Bank in Asia, as a management consultant with PA Consulting Group. Moving into roles leading business units in private health insurance with Medibank, and then in energy retailing with Energy Australia, Gideon refined his strategy and business leadership skills in highly competitive and highly regulated markets.
After joining the executive team at one of Victoria’s most successful TAFE institutes in 2018, Gideon discovered a passion for vocational education and training. He brings this passion into NECA Education & Careers while leveraging all of the skills and experience gained from a diverse and successful corporate leadership career.
Gideon is also a Non-Executive Director of National Apprentice Employment Network and Australia and New Zealand Electrotechnology Training Alliance.
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.
Kristian McCarthy
Director
Kristian McCarthy serves as the Executive Director, Apprenticeship, Membership and International Services with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the largest and most influential not-for-profit organisation in Victoria. VCCI represents and supports tens of thousands of businesses across the State providing policy leadership, advocacy, business advice, training, networking, apprenticeship support, and workplace relations services.
With over three decades of extensive experience in the Victorian vocational education and training sector, Kristian has held senior leadership positions in both not-for-profit and for-profit sector. This includes senior roles with Group Training Organisations, the delivery of the Federal Government’s Australian Apprenticeship Support Services contracts, and various international community driven youth employment programs.
Kristian is a member of the Chamber’s Apprenticeship Support Australia Board and Victorian Government’s Apprenticeship Taskforce since 2023.