Two leading WA organisations have joined forces to create opportunities for more people to enter a career in trades.
Group Training Organisation (GTO) Skill Hire* has partnered with Venture Smart to offer targeted support and skills training for women and First Nation people in Civil Construction and Electrical Apprenticeships.
This partnership was sparked when Venture Smart and Skill Hire found a mutual commitment to boosting participation from underrepresented groups in these industries. Venture Smart, an integral part of the Ventia Group, plays a crucial role in maintaining Main Roads WA’s infrastructure, overseeing a significant portion of the state’s electrical assets.
Through this collaboration, Skill Hire has been instrumental in helping Venture Smart access funding and provide expert advice in the apprenticeships space to maximise training outcomes.
Venture Smart Project Director Simon Smith shared how these funds have been vital in expanding programs aimed at fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce,
“As a GTO, Skill Hire’s expertise in the funding landscape has greatly contributed to the success of our diversity initiatives,” said Ventia Project Director Mr Smith.
The partnership has also proven effective in identifying suitable apprenticeship candidates, particularly strong female candidates from various sectors, thanks to Skill Hire’s extensive network. Additionally, the collaboration has enabled the professional development of existing Venture Smart civil workers, offering them pathways to train as Electrical Apprentices.
Skill Hire CEO Ben Dahlstrom shared that partnerships like this are vital when it comes to creating equitable outcomes and providing long-term employment opportunities, “Venture Smart are an inclusive and fair employer. It’s been amazing supporting their various programs and providing new opportunities for them to grow as a business.”
As a not-for-profit organisation, Skill Hire continues to support marginalised individuals, assisting them in reaching their potential through various programs, including Transition to Work and Careers Transition Assistance. This partnership is a prime example of how commitment to diversity can lead to meaningful and sustainable workforce development.
*Skill Hire is part of the IntoWork Group.
