Di Menz is the CEO of Sunraysia and Murray Group Training (SMGT) and Murray Mallee Group Training (MMTC), two key organizations in the field of vocational training and employment services in Victoria’s north. Di has dedicated 30 years to these organisations, significantly shaping their growth and impact. She became CEO in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the vocational training sector.
SMGT, established in 1983, focuses on providing apprenticeships, traineeships, and employment services. As a not-for-profit organization, it plays a crucial role in enhancing local employment opportunities by directly employing over 200 apprentices and trainees across various industries. Under Di’s leadership, SMGT has maintained its commitment to community-based training, ensuring that both the trainees and the host employers benefit from a supportive and effective training environment.
Similarly, Murray Mallee Group Training operates as a Registered Training Organization (RTO) and GTO, offering nationally accredited training across Victoria and New South Wales. MMTC is known for its comprehensive services in developing, mentoring, and supporting apprentices and trainees, a mission that Di Menz continues to drive forward with her extensive industry expertise.
Di’s leadership at both organisations underscores her dedication to fostering over 10,000 educational and employment opportunities in the North / West region of Victora, ensuring that the programs offered meet the evolving needs of industries and communities alike.
Di Menz’s career is a remarkable journey of over 30 years dedicated to vocational education, training, and employment services. Starting with Murray Mallee Training Company Ltd (MMTC Ltd) in 1994, she managed programs like JobSkills and LEAP in the Kerang region. Between 1996 and 1998, she became a Field Officer, recruiting apprentices, trainees, and host employers while providing mentorship. She also earned her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment during this time.
In 1998, Di led the setup of Job Network Services in the Murray Mallee and Riverina regions, later transitioning to Business Manager in 2000 at MMTC Ltd’s head office. She worked closely with the CEO, Geoff Carson, overseeing contracts, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and the Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AUSNac).
A key milestone in her career was the development of a National School-Based Program in 2007, employing over 300 trainees across Australia, a program she continues to manage today. Di was instrumental in negotiating contracts and registrations across various states and territories.
In 2015, Di played a vital role in the revitalisation of Sunraysia & Murray Group Training (SMGT) in Mildura, and in 2016, she was appointed Acting CEO during Geoff Carson’s leave. Following his retirement, she officially became CEO in 2017, leading both MMTC Ltd and SMGT.
Under her leadership, SMGT & MMTC Ltd has expanded significantly, now employing over 400 apprentices and trainees and training a further 4,300 students nationally. Di’s dedication and leadership have been pivotal in transforming MMTC Ltd from a small regional organization into a thriving national training provider.