Continuing a 40-Year Commitment to Creating Opportunities
Image: Skillinvest VicPol program participant Jaynaya Miller accepts the 2022 Victorian School-based Apprentice of the Year award. She went on to become a national finalist that year and was a state finalist again in 2023 when she went on to undertake a higher certificate.
For 40 years, Skillinvest has connected people with employment, training and career opportunities. This has included targeted programs supporting young people, women entering trades, First Nations peoples, culturally diverse communities, young parents and jobseekers facing barriers to employment.
Skillinvest CEO Darren Webster said these programs reflect the organisation’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce.
“As a not-for-profit social enterprise, our focus has always been on creating positive outcomes for people and communities. These programs are examples of the many ways Skillinvest has worked with industry, government and community partners to help people build skills, confidence and meaningful careers.”
Breaking Down Barriers Through the VicPol Program
One of Skillinvest’s most impactful initiatives has been the Victorian Police traineeship program, which created training and employment pathways for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The program, initiated and developed by Skillinvest, provided meaningful employment and career pathways while strengthening relationships between Victoria Police and the communities they serve.
Based in police stations across Victoria, trainees gained workplace experience, completed a Certificate III in Business Administration and developed skills in communication, customer service, teamwork and problem-solving. The program also built stronger connections between participants and local police members.
Of the 146 students who commenced, 79 completed their traineeships — a 54 per cent completion rate, 10 per cent above the national rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices and trainees.
The program also produced award-winning participants and highlighted the impact of collaboration, education and mentorship.
Among them was Jaynaya Miller, who won the 2022 Victorian School-Based Trainee of the Year Award and was a finalist at the Australian Training Awards. After completing her traineeship at Warrnambool Police Station, Jaynaya progressed into a Certificate IV in Business traineeship and was again recognised as a Victorian Training Awards finalist in 2023.
Jaynaya said the experience had been life changing.
“I one hundred per cent recommend this experience to others. This has changed my life and set me up for my future. Knowing that I am only 18 and already have a Certificate III in Business and am working on a Certificate IV in Business is unbelievable. This has empowered me to become a great leader, not only to my siblings but for my whole community.”
The benefits extended beyond the trainees, with Victoria Police members reporting increased cultural understanding and stronger relationships with Aboriginal communities.
Sergeant Stewart Henderson from Warrandyte Police Station reflected on the program:
“Our trainee taught us a lot about Aboriginal culture and where she comes from. It helped my team understand more about Aboriginal culture, family groups and how their culture works.”
The program also aligns with Skillinvest’s broader commitment to reconciliation and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2015, Skillinvest became one of the first organisations in the Wimmera Southern Mallee region to implement a Reconciliation Action Plan, reinforcing its commitment to building stronger relationships, respect and opportunities for First Nations communities. Skillinvest are now on their third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
A Lasting Community Impact
While industries, programs and funding models have evolved over the past four decades, Skillinvest’s purpose has remained consistent: creating opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background, culture or education, to be trained and/or employed. Not all will succeed, but at least they will have had the opportunity with organisations like Skillinvest..
The Victorian Police traineeship program is just one of many initiatives that reflect Skillinvest’s commitment to supporting people who may face barriers to education, training and employment.
Other recent programs include the BuildHer Women’s Apprenticeship Program, Lendlease Tradie Bootcamp, Jobs Victoria Mentoring Program, Young Parents Education Program, Head Start Taster Program, Statewide Racing Project and Grow Your Future horticulture initiative. These programs have supported young people returning to education, women entering trades, jobseekers changing careers and people facing barriers to employment. Skillinvest also partnered with Jobs Victoria, working closely with Department of Justice to support people exiting the justice system into employment.
These programs offer a snapshot of Skillinvest’s broader community impact and ongoing commitment to creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and helping people build brighter futures through education, training and employment.
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