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Annual Report

The Group Training Association of Victoria Inc. trading as “Apprenticeship Employment Network” Annual Report covers the financial year from the 1 July to 30 June.

Annual Report 2025 Chair’s Statement

Welcome to the 2024–2025 Annual Report of the
Apprenticeship Employment Network and GAN Australia
(Group Training Association of Victoria).

In last year’s Report, I acknowledged the challenges facing
members as we prepared for further change, and a more
subdued market over the next three years. As I reflect on the last 12 months, the Apprenticeship and Traineeship space continues to be challenged by the current economic and VET policy setting. With commencements across the Nation almost 30% down on the previous year, and with little to no improvements in the national completion rate, the total number of active Apprentices and Trainees in Australia is now represented in an alarming negative trend.

With overall unemployment rates still relatively low, Government appetite for investing in commencement incentives for employers appears nonexistent. Hidden in the overall National unemployment rate is another alarming trend. Youth unemployment across Australia is now over 10%, with some regional areas
reporting rates as high as 14%. Whilst the Group Training industry continues to outperform direct employment across all the metrics that matter, the Federal Government policy around GTO support remains narrowly focused, poorly designed, and completely unfounded. I believe it is important to separate and financially support the employment creation role of GTOs from the broader Training system, if we are to avoid further shrinking the number of Apprentices and Trainees in the Workforce.

“The Group Training Industry continues to outperform direct
employment across all the metrics that matter.”

Despite the current setting, it is still my belief that the Association and its membership have the capacity to play an important and relevant role in supporting and growing the Australian Apprenticeship system, and in particular addressing youth unemployment. I encourage all members to remain united as we navigate the next 12 months and convey our message to both State and Federal Governments. As I continue my reflection of the last 12 months, it is also clear that some things have remained unchanged. Each member of the Victorian Association has remained focused on the delivery of quality GTO services despite the current environment. Executive Director, Gary Workman, and the AEN staff have continued to support the membership, provide advocacy, and engage Government and key stakeholders despite reduced resources, and my fellow Board Members have continued to provide outstanding Governance despite the responsibility of leading their own organisations. Well done to all and keep up the excellent
work.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge and thank retiring Board members, Robyn Goodwill, and Philip Green, for their contribution to the Governance of AEN Victoria over many years. As true believers in the Group Training model your quality contributions to the Association leave a legacy that will always be appreciated.

Dean Luciani
AEN Chair

Past Annual Reports

2010-present

2000-2009