Apprenticeships The pathway to success
WITH over 40 years of business in the Goulburn Valley and Murray Valley region, The Apprenticeship Factory has helped many young people launch their careers with an apprenticeship or traineeship.
An apprenticeship can give you a jumpstart into a lifelong career and allow you to gain valuable, realworld experience in your chosen field. Undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship allows you to learn from experienced industry employers while earning a wage and working towards a nationally recognised qualification. With a hands-on approach to learning, you’ll gain practical skills and experience that will set you up for a successful career.
“Our experienced staff at The Apprenticeship Factory realise the importance of creating opportunities for young people so that the region can continue to grow and maintain a skilled workforce,” said Apprenticeship Factory CEO Paula Ryan.
“We continually work with businesses and young
school leavers who are looking to work in the trades sector. We aim to find a candidate that is the ‘right fit’ for your business.
“If you are a business looking for an apprentice or trainee and would like to know more about the ‘wrap-around service’ we provide, give us a call and discuss your business needs with one of our staff members. “
Our experienced staff at The Apprenticeship Factory realise the importance of creating opportunities for young people so that the region can continue to grow and maintain a skilled workforce
Paula Ryan Apprenticeship Factory CEO
If you are looking for an Apprentice or Trainee, give the team at The Apprenticeship Factory a call on (03) 58 224 555, or visit www. theapprenticeshipfactory.com.au.
BUSINESS LOOKING FOR STAFF?
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS... The experienced staff at The Apprenticeship Factory, life field officer Natalie Simpson, pictured with a supervisor at Moretto Building, Lachlan Cale, understand the importance of creating opportunities for young people so that the region can continue to grow and maintain a skilled workforce. Photo: Supplied
Opening doors for regional students to achieve their dreams
FOR locals like Jasmine Johns and Zahra Jafari, studying at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus is more than convenient—it’s a lifeline to pursuing their dreams without uprooting their lives.
Jasmine, a 2024 graduate of St Mary’s College in Nathalia, is starting a Bachelor of Education with the goal of becoming a woodworking teacher.
“Location was a big factor in my decision to study at La Trobe,” Jasmine said. “Most of my life, I’ve lived on a farm, so I couldn’t imagine moving to the city. It’s great knowing I can stay living at home with my family and continue working and playing sports.”
Zahra has also embraced the regional study pathway but with a different goal in mind. After initially pursuing teaching, she realised her true calling lay in healthcare.
Inspired by her sister-in-law, who is a nurse, Zahra discovered her passion for helping others and addressing the unique healthcare needs of her community.
“Every day, my sister-in-law would come home and share stories about her work—how rewarding it felt to help people,” Zahra said. “It made me realise there’s a real need for culturally
OF PATHWAYS... Zahra Jafari from Shepparton is also headed to La Trobe Shepparton. Like Jasmine, Zahra had her sights set on becoming a teacher. This led her to pursue a six-month Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) course before beginning her education degree. However, she had a change of heart and with the help of La Trobe staff, she will commence a Diploma of Rural Health, a pathway that allows her to enter the second year of a nursing degree upon completion.
appropriate healthcare, especially for women in our community who don’t always seek medical attention early.”
Zahra will begin a Diploma of Rural Health at La Trobe Shepparton, a pathway that allows her to enter the second year of a nursing degree upon completion.
“If I hadn’t spoken to someone at La Trobe, I’d probably be at TAFE doing a
two-year diploma instead,” Zahra said. “The staff made the whole process easier by guiding me through applications, pathways, payments, and everything else.”
Several courses are still available for application. To find out more, go to www.latrobe.edu.au/ or contact La Trobe on 1300 135 045.
PLENTY
Photo: Deanne Jeffers
WORKING OUT HER DREAMS... Nathalia local Jasmine Johns will commence a Bachelor of Education at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus. Jasmine dreams of becoming a woodworking teacher and is thrilled she can pursue her degree without needing to move to the city. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
Finding home at GV Health
EDWARD Luna's journey to GV Health began with his passion for community care.
Originally from the Philippines, Edward brought over 15 years of nursing experience to Australia in 2019.
His career path took him through New South Wales and Tasmania before he
settled in Shepparton, drawn by a personal connection to the local community.
Now a valued clinician within GV Health's mental health outreach service, Edward thrives in his role at the House of Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) program, focusing on client-led therapeutic care.
Edward credits GV Health for its exceptional support during his relocation, easing the process of finding housing and
You won’t just be serving food; you’ll learn a whole host of new skills and even have the chance to gain new qualifications too. Ready to learn? Apply at careers.mcdonalds.com/australia
schools for his son.
"GV Health is more than a workplace—it's a community," Edward said.
"It's a place where compassion, resilience, and collaboration thrive, making it an ideal choice for healthcare professionals looking to make a lasting impact."
SETTLING IN...
From the Philippines to Shepparton, Edward Luna found a community and career at GV Health, making a lasting impact through the HOPE program. Edward is pictured with his family. Learn more about mental health careers at gvhealth. org.au/careers/mentalhealth. Photo: Supplied
To learn more about career opportunities in mental health at GV Health and current roles available, visit gvhealth.org. au/careers/mental-health or contact our Mental Health Work-force Navigator at mentalhealthcareers@gvhealth.org.au.
Scholarship develops future leaders
By Fiona Blick
LAST year, the Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS) and the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) held a forum, attracting over 130 attendees to showcase the incredible strength, variety and investment that is happening in our region.
A highlight was the announcement of two scholarships for young leaders under 35 from Greater Shepparton’s food and grocery sector to attend the Future Leaders Forum in Melbourne.
Kirby Sprunt, Noumi’s Customer Service and Distribution Manager, and Jenica Mendoza, SPC Process Specialist, were awarded these scholarships. The program was tailored for young leaders and experienced managers who
wanted to build and strengthen the future of the supermarket retail industry within Australia, with sessions on leading with resilience, sustainability, consumer trends, and leveraging technology.
Kirby praised keynote speaker Amanda Stevens for her insights into consumer behaviour. “She had such in-depth knowledge of understanding and adapting consumer behaviour and how to leverage consumer insights to drive innovation and enhance brand loyalty,” Kirby said.
Jenica, Young Professional of the Year at the 2024 Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards, emphasised the importance of small conversations in building relationships. She valued mentoring sessions with
executives from companies like Unilever and Chobani.
Greater Shepparton is the most important intersection in southeast Australia. With entire food and grocery manufacturing supply chains in a postcode, this region anchors Australia’s dairy processing and fruit processing and packing.
The local food and grocery sector (in the combined LGAs of Campaspe, Greater Shepparton and Moira) already generates more than $3.1B of food and grocery revenue, employs more than 4,000 locals and injects almost $340M in salaries and wages into local economies.
OPPORTUNITIES... SPC Process
Specialist
and Noumi’s Customer
and Distribution Manager
were awarded scholarships to attend Greater Shepparton’s Future Leaders Forum in Melbourne last year. This program, designed for young leaders under 35 in the food and grocery manufacturing sector, provided them with the valuable opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain valuable insights. Photo: Supplied
Kirby and Jenica thanked C4GS and the AFGC for providing the scholarship, which gave them the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and contribute valuable knowledge back to the region.
About MHA Care
“MHA Care is a not-for-profit organisation providing high quality Home and Community Care Services across the City of Greater Shepparton and Moira Shire districts.” Since commencing in 1999 we have grown to become the largest provider of home care services in Moira Shire and are continuing to expand these services into the City of Greater Shepparton.
We continue to offer the only comprehensive and coordinated system of community care services to the frail, aged, people with disability and their carers living in the areas we service.
MHA prides itself on being a Local not-for-profit organisation with a commitment to delivering quality services and support to our clients.
CARE WORKER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Like most organisations providing services in the Aged Care sector we are currently experiencing significant growth in demand for our services. We have teams based in Yarrawonga, Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia and are in the process of building our Shepparton team to support our expansion into the Shepparton area.
This means we are growing our teams!
MHA Care is an employer of choice. One in which staff are skilled, motivated, valued and supported. Our recruitment and selection is based on our 5 values – Compassion, Transparency, Responsiveness, Accountability and Sustainability.
When you join MHA Care you become a vital part of the team. Our organisation seeks opportunities for growth, development and learning and as a result, our staff are
caring, professional, dedicated and highly skilled in their approach to their work.
MHA Care invites people from all ‘walks of life’ to apply for a Care Worker role. We also encourage new career paths and help support new staff to complete relevant certificate level qualifications in Aged Care. If our 5 values sing to you, and you want to make a difference in the lives of our clients and our community, MHA would love to hear from you.
Contact Us!
If you are interested joining our valuable team of Care Workers and performing this important and valuable work, please visit our website www.mhacare.org.au or send your resume with a covering letter to; hr@mhacare.org.au or call into our office in Orr Street, Yarrawonga for more information.
Jenica Mendoza
Service
Kirby Sprunt
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Visit careers.gvhealth.org.au to apply for a vacant position or register and create your profile to receive alerts about new opportunities of interest.
Registered
Whatever your passion, YOU’VE GOT THIS
GOTAFE is dedicated to empowering your journey to success, no matter your aspirations, passions, or where you want to be.
With a wide range of industry relevant courses, industry experienced trainers, and a vibrant learning community, GOTAFE provides the tools and guidance you need to take the next step.
Joanne Grant was at a crossroad in her career when she chose to pursue a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at GOTAFE.
Studying with GOTAFE has given Joanne an appreciation for being in a learning
environment that supports and encourages growth.
“I feel both confident and supported by those around me,” she said.
“I enjoy being taught by Nurses who have a range of experience and knowledge that is shared with students to help make the learning relevant.”
Joanne can feel her confidence growing and is excited to see what her future holds.
The most impactful experience she has had was during placement in District Nursing.
“I cared for a patient facing significant
medical and mental challenges,” she recalled.
“I saw first-hand how my assistance positively affected their lives.”
Whether you are interested in carpentry, agriculture, nursing or beyond, GOTAFE offers tailored training solutions to suit your needs and help you meet your goals.
Learn the practical skills you need on the job site through an apprenticeship, traineeship or placement or practice your abilities in GOTAFE’s on-campus workshop facilities using state-of-the-art equipment.
Additionally, GOTAFE has close ties to local industry, meaning students will benefit from a network of local employers.
Whether you are aiming for a career change, professional growth, or pursuing your passions, with GOTAFE by your side, YOU’VE GOT THIS.
GOTAFE has over 160 courses available to
study in 2025, with applications for Semester 1 closing soon.
For more information, visit our www.gotafe. vic.edu.au
$10k incentive for home building apprentices
LABOUR shortages have cast doubt on the government’s target of 1.2M new homes by mid-2029. To entice more people to take up a trade apprenticeship in the home building sector, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a $10,000 incentive, on top of their regular wages and entitlements during training.
In an address to the National Press Club, Albanese said, “Many apprentices have said they could earn more stacking shelves at the supermarket, and too many leave training because they simply can’t afford to stay.”
Slated to take effect from July 1, eligible apprentices will receive $10,000 in incentive payments on top of their wages and over the life of their apprenticeship, to work in housing
construction or clean energy.
To prevent people from rorting the scheme, apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24 and 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.
Key union and industry groups, including HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin, welcomed the incentive plan. Martin emphasised that addressing labour shortages is crucial for unlocking the potential of the residential housing industry.
“The five $2,000 incentive payments staggered throughout the course of an apprenticeship in the residential building industry will support the retention of an apprentice and combat the concerning non-completion rates we continue to see.
“HIA’s All Hands On Deck found that if Australia is to reach the Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes in the next five years there needs to be an injection of 83,000 trades people into the workforce.
“The residential building industry currently employs approximately 278,000 tradies across the 12 key trade occupations required for home building. The trades workforce needs to grow by at least 30 per cent to meet the Accord’s goals. That is over 83,000 additional tradies.
“We can only make housing a priority if we have a workforce capable of building the homes we need to reduce the barriers to home ownership,” concluded Ms Martin.
TOOLS TO SUCCEED… Joanne Grant was at a pivotal point in her professional journey when she decided to enrol in the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at GOTAFE. Her studies with GOTAFE have instilled in her a deep appreciation for a learning environment that fosters and promotes growth. Photo: Supplied