Bendigo’s highest achieving apprentices will be recognised by the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, in Bendigo on June 6 as part of the Group Training Association of Victoria State Conference.
Central Victorian Group Training announces the winners of two of its most prestigious awards. The winners are both Bendigo boys – Brenton Mountjoy an engineering fabrication apprentice and Michael Francis a third year plumbing apprentice.
CEO of Central Victorian Group Training Paul Green will join the Minister for Higher Education and Skills The Hon. Peter Hall at the event, recognising the contribution that group training makes to employment in skills shortage trades and celebrating the achievements of the local apprentices.
“The Bendigo apprentice award winners show just how important the apprentice and trainee model is, with its combination of on and off the job training and ongoing support for apprentices and their employers,” says Gary Workman, Executive Director of the Group Training Association of Victoria.
“For small businesses doing it tough in regional areas, the Group Training model offers them flexibility and support when taking on an apprentice,” says Gary Workman. “We work with employers to remove the barriers they ordinarily face when hiring staff, particularly young people with little experience.”
Minister for Higher Education and Skills, the Hon. Peter Hall says, “Strong apprenticeship programs in regional areas are incredibly important to skill our population and to support youth employment. The award winners are inspiring role models to other young people and should be proud of their personal achievements.”
The awards ceremony will open the Group Training Association of Victoria State Conference. Stakeholders from industry and government will discuss the future skills needs of Victoria. Speakers will address strategies to prevent workplace bullying and explore the potential of online learning technologies.
The local award winners are:
Brenton Mountjoy
From CVGT group training company and host employer Bendigo Engineering Services
Third Year – Engineering Fabrication III
Brenton is receiving the John Balsillie Award for demonstrating initiative, a high level of skills and high quality task completion.
Michael Francis
From CVGT group training company and host employer Centre State Plumbing
Third Year – Cert III Plumbing
Michael is receiving the Matthew Baldock award for his leadership skills, motivation and accelerated progress in his training.
Media are welcome to attend the event at All Seasons Bendigo, please notify us in advance if you wish to take a media place.
The Minister will be available for a photo opportunity from 10:15-11:15am at
All Seasons Bendigo, 171-183 McIvor Road Strathdale.
Gary Workman, Executive Director of the Group Training Association of Victoria is available for interview.
For media enquiries or to attend, please contact:
Leonie Phillips
p. 0403 06 38 52
e. leonie.phillips@thoughtbroker.com.au
*The Group Training Association of Victoria is the peak body representing group training organisations that employ over 8500 apprentices and trainees across all industry sectors each year in Victoria. www.gtavic.asn.au
*Central Victoria Group Training is a registered group training organisation that has been supporting the Bendigo community and surrounding regions for over 25 years. CVGT can assist in connecting employers and youth into meaningful employment. www.cvgt.com.au