Past experience in house painting was something Demita found enjoyable so when she saw a job ad for a spray-painting apprenticeship, it seemed like the right fit. Becoming an apprentice at 29 years of age is one of the best things that Demita has ever done! In the workplace, Demita became aware of the… Read more
AEN Announces 2021 Award Finalists
This year the AEN received 84 nominations across 8 separate award categories including a new category for 2021 – the Disability Achievement Award. The judges would like to announce 39 finalists representing 11 GTOs with the award winners to be announced on 16 February 2022 at the Victorian Arts Centre Apprentice of the Year Alex… Read more
More than Money: What Will it Take to Turn Good Intentions into Good Jobs?
A new collaborative report from PwC, Social Ventures Australia, the Global Apprenticeship Network (Australia) and the Apprentice Employment Network (Victoria) identifies measures that are required to build an apprenticeship system that works in the modern world and remedy Australia’s chronic skills shortages. The What Will It Take report finds that young people in Australia have… Read more
AGA trainee shows that humble beginnings are no barrier to success
Nathan Damjan is a young man on a mission. Leaving school in his early teens due to circumstances outside his control left him in a profoundly vulnerable position. It was life changing — but not in the way you might think. Demoralised and facing a future of diminished career options, he put all his energy… Read more
Vaz Juchima honoured with AEN Lifetime Achievement Award
Gforce was founded as the Geelong and District Group Apprentices in 1983. It was established as a not-for-profit Group Training Organisation with an initial purpose to address youth unemployment in the northern suburbs of Geelong through the provision of apprenticeships. In 1993, Vaz Juchima as the Managing Director of Danum Engineering, was invited to join… Read more
2020 ATOA Apprentice of the Year Winner: John Hull
John decided to follow his passion for working outdoors, after a long career in retail. He wanted to achieve a higher level of education, as well as being able to study and work simultaneously. As a mature-age apprentice with previous workplace and customer service experience, John brought leadership and conflict resolution skills to his apprenticeship…. Read more
2020 Inspiration Award: Women in Trades Winner: Katherine Knapman
Katharine loves the environment and working outdoors, so she decided on a traineeship in arboriculture. She was the first female trainee hired in her place of work, Maroondah City Council. Katharine has been able to overcome experiences with members of the public, who, at times, view her as being incompetent because she is a woman…. Read more
2020 Inspiration Award: Overcoming Adversity Winner: Jack Meehan
Jack has wanted to become a builder his whole life and was determined to land an apprenticeship. Leaving school after Year 10, he found an apprenticeship in carpentry since he enjoyed woodwork in school. Unfortunately, Jack missed out on the opportunity to learn alongside a qualified builder as his employer was not readily available to… Read more
2020 STAR Awards Winner: Nathan Damjan
Nathan has learnt valuable skills, including how to work effectively as a team and prioritising safety within his workplace. He has invested time to learn the Work Health and Safety legislation and how that, along with other skills such as First Aid, can be applied to his role. Nathan is very proactive and champions safety… Read more
2020 Inspiration Award: Indigenous Student of the Year Winner: Nathan Damjan
Nathan has learnt valuable skills, including how to work effectively as a team and prioritising safety within his workplace. He has invested time to learn the Work Health and Safety legislation and how that, along with other skills such as First Aid, can be applied to his role. Nathan is very proactive and champions safety… Read more