AGA

We’re proud to celebrate a new School-Based Traineeship commencing in Northern Victoria 👏

Congratulations to Daniel, who has started his IT School-Based Traineeship with AGA, alongside his studies at Tallangatta Secondary College.

Opportunities like this are made possible through strong collaboration, with the Head Start program supporting students to gain real-world experience while completing school, and MEGT as the Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) providing guidance and ongoing mentorship.

Daniel will be supported throughout his traineeship by Kate (AGA), alongside Shane (Head Start) and Tracy (MEGT), creating a strong network to help him succeed.

This is a great example of what’s possible when schools, industry and support services come together to create meaningful pathways for young people.

Great to be part of last week’s Wodonga Senior Secondary College Careers in Industry Expo.

With over 500 students in attendance, the event provided a valuable opportunity to explore career pathways and connect with local employers and industry representatives in the Northern Vic Region.

A big thank you to Melanie and Kate for representing AGA on the day. As a sponsor of the event, we’re proud to support initiatives that help young people plan their future with confidence.

Did you know AGA is also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?

That means when you train with us throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship, you’re not just working you’re gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

You’ll learn from trainers with real industry experience, who support you every step of the way with practical, hands-on training.

Whether you're starting your career, changing direction or building new skills, AGA is here to help you get there.

With training facilities in Deer Park, Korumburra and Warragul, getting qualified is closer than you think.

Click here to find a course: https://aga.com.au/training/qualifications/

This National Reconciliation Week, we take a moment to reflect on our shared history and the role we each play in building a more inclusive future.

The theme, ‘All In’, reminds us that reconciliation is ongoing and we should all be taking meaningful steps every day.

At AGA, we’re committed to supporting accessible pathways to employment and creating opportunities through apprenticeships and traineeships, that help build long-term outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Struggling to find skilled workers in construction? You’re not alone.

Skills shortages are impacting worksites across Australia, driving delays, increasing costs and making it harder for businesses to secure reliable tradespeople.

In our latest blog, we break down:
• What’s driving the ongoing apprenticeships skills gap
• Why relying on qualified hires alone is no longer sustainable
• How apprenticeships create long‑term workforce solutions
• How AGA’s GTO model supports employers every step of the way

If you’re looking to build capability, strengthen your team and create a more sustainable workforce, this is a practical place to start.

Read the full blog: https://bit.ly/4uMzc8i

From supporting employers and apprentices on the ground to leading a regional team, Melanie Bruton’s journey reflects a clear commitment to building strong workforce outcomes.

After joining as an Apprentice Employment Consultant, Mel quickly became known for her ability to build relationships and understand local needs. Now, as AES Manager - Northern Region at AGA, she is leading her team across Albury Wodonga through a period of growth, strengthening service delivery and helping deliver meaningful results for the community.

Mel says the region reflects resilience, collaboration and community, values that strongly align with her leadership approach.

Click here to read Melanie’s full story: https://bit.ly/42OVVoe

After 14 years as Group CEO of IntoWork, Poul Bottern has recently tendered his resignation, effective from the end of June this year, as he pursues other business interests.

The Board of IntoWork would like to acknowledge and thank Poul for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, expertise and strategic guidance over the past 14 years, building IntoWork into the large, respected and leading provider in the sector it is today.

Given Poul’s focus over the coming weeks to ensure an effective handover including working with our Boards on governance matters, we have appointed Christine Zechowski as Acting Group CEO, whilst we recruit for an ongoing Group CEO. Christine has been with IntoWork for many years, including as Group Chief Commercial Officer. She is joined by a strong Executive team and experienced CEOs, so IntoWork is in good hands.

In communicating with Staff, Poul noted: It has been a pleasure and privilege to lead IntoWork with the Board and Leadership Team. My highlights have been many, from our growth of 125 to 2,600 skilled staff, expansion across Australia and New Zealand, and increasing services for the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community. However, the largest highlight for me has been the pleasure of working with the fantastic group of people within IntoWork as well as our business partners and the broader sectors we engage with!

We thank Poul for his significant contribution and wish him and his family the very best for the future.

We’ve started connecting with schools and LLENs about our 2027 VDSS programs, opening early conversations about how VDSS can support students to build industry skills while still in school.

We’re looking ahead to enrolments across building & construction, plumbing, electrotechnology, community services and IT, with programs that support real‑world learning and pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships or further training.

You’ll see our team at expos over the coming weeks, so come and say hello and chat with us about what VDSS could look like for your school community.

If you’re a school or a parent wanting to understand VDSS options for 2027, get in touch and we’ll talk you through the courses, partnerships and next steps.

Learn more: https://aga.com.au/training/training-vdss/