Andrew Micallef, AGA Apprentice and Employment Services (AES) Team Leader, led a career shaped by curiosity, hands‑on experience and a commitment to helping people thrive in their chosen trade. He spent eight years in management roles with Mobil and Caltex before starting a mechanical workshop in West Sunshine, where he combined directing the company with practical work in wheels and tyre services.

When he joined AGA eight years ago as an Apprentice & Employment Consultant (AEC), Andrew worked across councils and a variety of hosts covering multiple trades. “After three months, I found myself naturally gravitating toward electrical apprentices, and that’s where my passion for the trade and understanding of A‑Grade licensing really grew.” Five years in, that momentum led to a promotion to AES Team Leader.

Today, Andrew leads a team of three consultants, supporting business development and relationship management across hosts—mainly in electrical and some carpentry—while personally managing a major account that includes 55 electrical apprentices. Staying hands‑on matters to him: “Mentoring young apprentices and watching them progress through their four‑year journey to become licensed electricians is incredibly rewarding.” After eight years, Andrew now welcomes former apprentices who are returning as employers. “Seeing that cycle continue is amazing,” he says.

At the centre of Andrew’s approach is leading by example and truly understanding each employer’s needs, while keeping the bigger picture in mind. That philosophy has shaped practical, high‑impact initiatives—like championing Women in Trades pathways. “A great example is our involvement in the Women in Trades programs, such as the Lendlease Tradie Bootcamp. That experience helped influence major builders like Icon to launch their own initiatives, including the BuildHer Program, which AGA has also been part of,” he says.

Andrew has been instrumental in strengthening connections with large host employers through his relationship‑centred approach. “Building strong and consistent relationships with host employers is key,” he says, a principle that has guided his work and delivered measurable results. Andrew takes the time to understand what each employer expects from their apprentices, then applies his expertise to identify and place the right candidates.

His leadership also extends to developing and supporting apprentice‑focused programs and initiatives. “We’re also heavily involved in programs and initiatives that support apprentice commencement, engagement and development, and we make sure to celebrate the wins along the way,” Andrew explains. His commitment to championing apprentice success has helped create a more supported and engaged cohort.

Andrew makes strategic use of AGA’s in‑house Registered Training Organisation (RTO), recognising it as “a huge asset in sourcing high‑quality candidates.” By staying closely connected to the training team, he is able to identify standout students completing their Cert II qualifications and coordinate their smooth transition into apprenticeships. This direct link to the RTO allows Andrew to spot emerging talent early and match them with host employers who value well‑prepared, motivated apprentices.

The AES team is continuing to grow, both within AGA and across the IntoWork Group. Andrew believes that “with strong support from upper management, I feel confident that the work we’re doing will contribute not only to AGA and IntoWork’s broader success, but also to our team’s ongoing development and career progression.”

Away from work, life is “full—in the best way.” Family time is central, with a young son and another child on the way, and weekends often find him in the shed restoring old Commodores. “I have my own workshop at home. It’s a hobby I really enjoy and a labour of love,” he shares.