The Apprenticeship Factory is a not-for-profit community-based Group Training company, who place apprentices and trainees with a range of small and large host businesses, providing on-the-job training.
With over 35 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, they have employed over 6,500 apprentices and thousands of casual employees. The Shepparton business community trusts their brand, and this is obvious by the many local businesses who utilise their services year after year.
Currently, they employ approximately 150 apprentices and trainees across the Goulburn Valley along with 30 casual employees in temporary work assignments.
“Our vision is to be the local provider of Choice for Employment Services and workforce solutions,” said The Apprenticeship Factory CEO Paula Ryan.
“I love that the business community in the Goulburn Valley support each other and are resilient when things are tough.”
Over the last 12 months, they have continued to work closely with schools to assist students as they transition into the workforce and start their career in either an apprenticeship or traineeship and navigate the obstacles the pandemic has presented.
They implemented a program called “Get Apprenticeship Ready”, assisting students to set goals to ensure they are ready to undertake full time roles in their chosen career. Some goals have included ensuring students complete work placements, obtaining their drivers licence, having resumes up to date as well as being ready for an interview.
They also continue to run a very successful Traineeship Program providing participants with access to a range of different, nationally recognised qualifications across a variety of industries, enabling secondary school graduates an opportunity to take up a gap year position, or early school leavers to access pathways to employment.
“The last 18 months has been challenging for many businesses and ours has been no different. Our focus has been to continue to provide a quality service to our host employers, clients, apprentices and trainees, ensuring we meet their business needs,” said Paula.
As a not-for-profit organisation, they are intent on helping and support the community. Their ultimate goal is to assist young people to find rewarding career opportunities and guide them through the journey.
In terms of the bright future, their board are currently working on their new strategic plan, with the aim to continue the great work that has been undertaken for the last 35 years.
“The GV has some challenges ahead of it as we navigate our way out of the COVID pandemic and we will work hard to support where we can to ensure we provide quality employment services to our local region,” said Paula.
