From apprentice to CEO: Johnny Gorton’s path to leadership
As Skillinvest celebrates 40 years of building futures, we are reflecting on the opportunities, partnerships and stories that have shaped our organisation and the communities we work with. For proud Wotjobaluk man John (Johnny) Gorton, one of those opportunities came in 1998, when at just 16 years old he became one of eight Aboriginal people…
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…
Wade’s partnership helps build the next generation of skilled workers
Image: Wade’s Adam Jolley, back right, and Skillinvest’s Daryl Eastwell, right with some of the apprentices and trainees that Wade’s host through Skillinvest. Image compliments of The Weekly Advertiser. For Wade’s, employing apprentices and trainees has played an important role in supporting the company’s growth and developing its future workforce. Since 2011, Wade’s has employed…
From first apprentice to business owner: Brendan’s journey 40 years on
As Skillinvest celebrates 40 years of building futures, we are looking back at the people and opportunities that have shaped our story. That story began in 1986 with Brendan Kaczynski, the very first apprentice employed through Wimmera & Grampians Group Training Company, now Skillinvest. At just 16 years old, Brendan was working part-time in the…
Founding employee and former CEO reflects on 40 years of building futures
The beginning of a regional success story When John Ackland walked into his new job on 6 October 1986, he wasn’t joining an established organisation or a growing business. He was the business. Working from a small office above the Commonwealth Employment Service in Horsham, John Ackland became the first employee of what was then…
40 Years of Building Futures: A message from our CEO
As Skillinvest celebrates 40 years of building futures, we thank the many people and organisations who have been part of our journey. For four decades, employers, schools, community partners, apprentices, trainees, students, jobseekers and staff, have placed their trust in us. Together, we’ve created opportunities, supported careers and helped strengthen communities across Victoria. While much…
Celebrating 40 years of Skillinvest: A message from our Chairperson
Forty years in business is certainly a milestone worth recognising. As a Board, we are proud of what Skillinvest has achieved over that time and the impact it has had on people, employers and communities across Victoria. While we celebrate this achievement, our focus is firmly on the future. Guided by our vision of maximising…
Workforce solutions for agriculture
David Legg is undertaking his agriculture traineeship through Skillinvest with host employer Maybery Family Partnership Pty Ltd.
Skillinvest officially opens Dandenong South Skills Centre
Skillinvest has officially opened its new Dandenong South Skills Centre, marking a major milestone in the organisation’s commitment to training, employment and community development across Victoria. The opening, held on Friday 12 June 2026, attracted more than 120 attendees, including representatives from government, industry, education and community organisations. Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong,…
90 years of combined expertise recognised
Pictured above from left: Darren Webster, Kellie Hogart, Shane Cross, Jodi Bigmore and Jason Maybery. Skillinvest team members were honoured at the 2025 Apprentice Training Awards held at Melbourne Town Hall in November, acknowledging their significant contributions to the industry. The following staff were recognised for their years of service: Together, these five individuals represent…
Skillinvest Trainee named finalist
Imogen Pinnegar Named Finalist in 2025 Apprentice Training Awards We’re proud to announce that Imogen Pinnegar, a Skillinvest trainee, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Apprentice Training Awards, recognised in the School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category. Imogen is currently completing a Certificate III in Beauty Services through a school-based traineeship.…
Celebrating a Remarkable Career
Kate Clark Retires After 23 Years of Service with Skillinvest After nearly a quarter of a century, Skillinvest Apprenticeship Consultant Kate Clark will retire on 8 August 2025, marking the end of an exceptional career supporting apprentices, trainees, and businesses across the Donald region and throughout Victoria. Since stepping into her role in June 2002,…