In her new role as AES Manager – Northern Region, Melanie Bruton and her team will strengthen local service delivery through their wealth of experience, strong community ties and AGA’s ability to provide additional capabilities and support. Melanie’s journey reflects a clear commitment to supporting people into meaningful work and helping businesses build the skilled workforce they need to grow.
Melanie joined Kestrel in June 2024 as an Apprentice Employment Consultant, drawing on her background in recruitment and vocational education. From the outset, she was motivated by making a practical difference—supporting both employers and apprentices to achieve meaningful outcomes. As she explains, “From the outset, I was motivated by supporting both employers and apprentices to achieve meaningful career outcomes across our region.”
Her ability to build strong relationships and understand local workforce needs quickly set her apart. As Kestrel transitioned into AGA, Melanie stepped into the AES Manager role based in Albury/Wodonga, taking on leadership responsibilities during a period of significant change.
Melanie describes the region—affectionately nicknamed the “House of Stark” because of its northern Victorian location—as one defined by shared values. “The region reflects resilience, collaboration and community—values that strongly align with my leadership approach,” she says.
For Melanie, the move into leadership with AGA represents an exciting new chapter. It is an opportunity not only to guide her team, but to play a key role in shaping the organisation’s future in the region. “My new leadership role with AGA is the opportunity to continue working closely with our local team, be part of an exciting future, and further develop my leadership skills along the way,” she says.
Melanie sees the integration of Kestrel into AGA as a significant step forward.
“The transition and rebrand to AGA has created real momentum. It allows us to keep improving, grow in a sustainable way and respond to changing workforce needs—while continuing to deliver the trusted, high-quality employment and training services our communities rely on,” she says.
She adds that this results in “stronger apprenticeship completions, better retention, and workforce outcomes that align with local industry needs.”
For employers and apprentices across the Albury/Wodonga region, the integration delivers both continuity and growth.
“Employers and apprentices can be confident that AGA in Wodonga is supported by the same local team, with a strong commitment to service, relationships, and the community,” Melanie says.
Melanie highlights the diverse and resilient local economy, with demand across manufacturing, logistics, construction, health and aged care, agriculture and defence sectors. This creates strong opportunities for growth and workforce development.
Outside of work, Melanie enjoys all types of games—from board games and cards to sport and trivia. “If there’s a game involved, I’m usually in,” she says, also noting her proud (and slightly competitive) title as a Tetris champion.
As AES Manager, Melanie Bruton is focused on building Kestrel’s strong local legacy while leveraging AGA’s expanded capabilities to deliver meaningful outcomes for apprentices, employers and the broader community.
