Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Forum

Event Recap: Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Forum

On Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, over 220 enthusiastic attendees gathered at The Gordon East Geelong Campus for the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Forum. Hosted by Skilling the Bay in collaboration with Workforce Australia Local Jobs Barwon and The Gordon, the event was a fantastic opportunity for those exploring apprenticeships and traineeships to gain valuable insights and connections.

The forum was created to help potential apprentices, trainees, and their families understand the many benefits, challenges, obligations and support available within the Geelong region. It also offered a chance to meet industry professionals and learn about various career paths.

A big thank you to our incredible panel speakers:

• Leoni Foley, Workforce Planning & Talent Management at Barwon Water
• Louise Goodwin, Manager Apprenticeship Services, gforce employment + recruitment
• Andy Bugeja, Director Education Excellence - Industry, Trades & Environment at The Gordon
• Ky Dunlop, Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year nominee, Apprentice at The Gordon 
• Matthew Luttrell, Priority Apprenticeship Manager – Barwon and Central Highlands, Apprenticeships Victoria, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, who also served as the MC for the evening.

We also want to express our appreciation to the expo stall holders and industry stakeholders who made the event possible:

• City of Greater Geelong
• Head Start
• Worley
• Geelong Manufacturing Council
• Westgate Community Initiatives Group Ltd. (WCIG) Transition to Work Program
• The Gordon Skills and Jobs Centre
• Phillip Riley Projects
• gforce employment + recruitment
• Roof Tile Careers
• Apprenticeship Support Australia
• BUSY At Work - The Apprenticeship Community
• Westvic Staffing Solutions

The evening was filled with engaging panel discussion, interactive expo session, and valuable networking opportunities. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how apprenticeships and traineeships can open doors to exciting and rewarding careers in various fields.

If you missed the forum or want to learn more about apprenticeships and traineeships, check out the resources below:

Apprenticeships Victoria

General information about becoming an apprentice or trainee in Victoria - www.apprenticeships.vic.gov.au

Victorian Skills Gateway

Latest Victorian TAFE and training opportunities.
131 823
www.skills.gov.au

The Gordon Skills and Jobs Centre

A free careers service for the Geelong community.
5225 0700
www.thegordonskillsandjobscentre.com

Head Start

Supporting secondary students to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship while at school
www.vic.gov.au/head-start-apprenticeships-and-traineeships 

Thank you for being a part of this important event. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for apprentices and trainees in the Geelong region!