At the recent Apprenticeship Employment Network end of year conference, former AGA Chairman the Hon. Alan Brown AM was awarded with a deserved lifetime Achievement Award. His work raising the priority of the Vocational Education & Training sector with Government Ministers and senior departmental officials helped the Group Training (GTO) industry grow further across the state. Alan has served the community for more than 50 years, helping to establish and support a number of local community foundations and small businesses.

The AEN event also showcased great examples of young apprentices and trainees, members and staff within the Victorian GTO industry.

AGA were a prominent feature of the dinner, with numerous recognition awards being handed out to staff members. AGA apprentice Nathan Ramsbotham was finalist in the GTO Industry Apprentice of the Year category, and AGA picked up an award for Service Excellence in recognition of their work in supporting retrenched automotive workers into new employment. AGA developed specialised tools to assist retrenched workers through the transition phase of their employment as well as implementing training to upskill staff.

Mark Knox, CEO of AGA said “The staff at AGA have worked really closely with numerous local employers in the automotive industries, which has helped greatly with placing many retrenched workers into new roles”.

AGA’s long serving staff were also recognised for outstanding years of service, with the following people being highlighted for their years of service:

Kerry Daruwalla: 20 years

Mark Knox: 15 years

Peta Trembath: 10 years

Daniel Jackson: 10 years<

Melissa Vella: 10 years