1000’s of apprentices and traineeship recipients have benefited
DURING the height of unemployment in 1984, and with a focus on supporting the community’s youth into employment, a group of local, volunteer businesspeople endeavoured to turn the tide for school leavers in the Goulburn and Murray region who were looking to enter the workforce in the trade sector.
With a record 10 per cent unemployment amidst an unpredictable economy, concern was mounting not only for the work opportunities of local young people, but for developing skill shortages. Banding together to address the situation head on, a group of local businesspeople, headed by the late Barry Franklin, established what would later emerge as The Apprenticeship Factory.
Built upon the concept of creating a not-for-profit organisation that would recruit and employ apprentices with one or more host employers for the duration of their training, The Apprenticeship Factory has since gone on to support 7,000 young people into an apprenticeship or traineeship in a wide (and widening) range of industry sectors.
Celebrating its 40th year of operation this year, The Apprenticeship Factory and Monarch Personnel have much to commemorate from their well-established partnerships with the region’s employers, who share a commitment to providing employment opportunities for young people, to their hardworking, dedicated team who tirelessly support and guide their clients. Most importantly, it is the success of the many young individuals who have gone on to establish bright, industrious careers under the stewardship of local businesses and The Apprenticeship Factory’s support that deserves marking with pride.
Exemplifying the principle of giving back to the community, as a not-for-profit organisation, Paula Ryan said, “Our success over time wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the region’s employers and the shared commitment they have given to provide opportunities. The great part about being not for profit means all funds raised are generated back into our community. We look forward to the next 40 years of giving young people opportunities to up skill for the future.”
