AGA was proud to be represented at the Australian Apprenticeships and Employment Industry Forum, hosted by IntoWork Australia at the Speaker’s Courtyard, Parliament House in Canberra. The forum was held alongside the Speaker of the House, the Hon Milton Dick MP, and the Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training, bringing national focus to the future of apprenticeships and workforce development in Australia. 

AGA CEO Mark Burns attended the forum, joining senior leaders from across government, industry, unions, employment services and business to discuss how Australia can strengthen and modernise its apprenticeship and traineeship systems. 

Strengthening apprenticeship and traineeship pathways 

The forum provided an important platform to explore how apprenticeships and traineeships can be better supported to meet Australia’s current and future workforce needs. With ongoing skills shortages across construction, electrical, care and emerging industries, discussions reinforced the critical role that high‑quality training pathways play in boosting workforce participation and productivity. 

A key focus was hearing directly from apprentices and trainees, whose lived experiences highlighted the value of practical support, strong employer partnerships and well‑coordinated services in achieving successful training outcomes. 

Celebrating AGA apprentice and trainee success stories 

AGA was proud to have two former apprentices and trainees in attendance, demonstrating the long‑term impact of supported training pathways: 

Adam Schellack completed his Certificate III in Electrotechnology in 2025 as a mature‑age apprentice. Adam is now a qualified A‑Grade electrician and has progressed into a 2IC role at MRP Wired Solutions. He is currently managing the Melbourne Airport Terminal 2 baggage upgrade project, showcasing strong leadership, technical expertise and career progression following his apprenticeship. 

Roslyn Costa completed her Certificate III in Education Support traineeship in 2021 at Broadmeadows Special Development School. Starting with AGA at 18, Roslyn has since completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science, progressed into Team Leader and Education Support Coordinator roles, and built strong networks across host schools while continuing to support students with additional needs. 

The importance of integrated workforce support 

There was strong emphasis throughout the forum on the importance of integrated service delivery, better connecting employment services, training providers, disability supports and social services. Reducing fragmentation across these systems is key to improving apprenticeship completion rates and creating a smoother, more supportive experience for both learners and employers. 

AGA’s commitment to Australia’s future workforce 

As part of the IntoWork network, AGA remains committed to delivering accessible, high‑quality apprenticeship and traineeship pathways that are fit for the future. By working closely with government, industry and employers, AGA continues to support individuals to complete their training, build meaningful careers and contribute to a stronger, more capable Australian workforce.