Skillset

Skillset welcomes the recent Federal Budget Announcements, particularly the investment in skills and training! We're especially pleased to see the allocation of $88.8 million towards creating 20,000 new fee-free TAFE places. This initiative not only supports individuals in pursuing vocational education and training but also makes hiring an apprentice or trainee more affordable for businesses, extending this benefit for another year. If you have been considering hiring an apprentice or trainee, contact Skillset today for support. As a registered Group Training Organisation, we offer a comprehensive service to recruit and manage apprentices and trainees seamlessly. Visit skillset.com.au or give us a call at 1300 853 525 to learn more.

Our Skillset Management Team has successfully completed the Authentic Leadership Training Program, which began six months ago in November 2023. This program was delivered by Mills-Eaton Training and expertly facilitated by Kellie Mills, whose extensive 26-year career as a coach and trainer has impacted thousands across diverse industries. Kellie Mills has identified that effective, authentic leadership is key to maintaining successful teams, businesses, and organisations. The program is designed to equip participants with the confidence and practical skills to lead people effectively. Throughout the training, our team was divided into two groups to undertake a Leadership Diagnostic Project and present their key learnings. Both groups excelled in their presentations, demonstrating the practical skills and confidence gained through this training. A heartfelt thank you to Kellie for making this training experience enjoyable. Our team is excited to apply the strategies learned to lead our amazing staff and to achieve Skillset's vision and purpose, together.

So, you have just finished another job interview. Some aspects went well but some things could have gone smoother. Obviously, the more times you do a job interview, the better you will be. However, what steps can you take after each job interview to ensure you improve your interview performance for next time? Try these tips: Write down as many of the questions you were asked in the job interview and the answers you provided Make sure you do this straight after the interview, so you remember the detail. Once you have this information, review the answers you gave. Critically evaluate each response – how would you rate each answer you provided? What enhancements could be made? Once you have worked out how you can improve each answer, make sure you write these amended responses down. Develop and maintain a bank of responses Include any amended responses to your job interview bank of responses. Over time, if you keep adding and improving your responses after each job interview you attend, you will develop a comprehensive list of responses that should cover almost any interview question that can be asked. Practice your responses Make sure you study your bank of responses before you attend a new job interview. Even practice these responses out loud as part of your preparation. If you can, get a friend or family member to help you rehearse your responses or, if you are a bit short of help, record yourself on your phone or laptop so you get a chance to not only rehearse your responses but to see yourself in action. Remember, practice makes perfect!

We're thrilled to announce that Blake Kassell has been awarded a 2023 Bert Evans Scholarship! Blake is completing a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Dubbo Regional Council and along with Skillset and Dubbo Regional Council, received the certificates and scholarship funding in recognition of this great achievement. Skillset nominated Blake for this scholarship, to acknowledge a very deserving apprentice. The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships aim to support current apprentices in NSW who have faced hardship in their personal circumstances while showing promise in vocational education and training. Named after the late NSW Apprenticeships Ambassador, Mr. Bert Evans AO, these scholarships honour his support for vocational education and training, and apprentices across New South Wales. The goal of the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships is to provide assistance to NSW apprentices who have encountered challenges in their lives, helping them to successfully complete their apprenticeship. By supporting apprentices like Blake, we aim to support their progression and encourage goal achievement. Congratulations Blake, a very well-deserved scholarship we hope will help support you on your apprenticeship journey. Photographed is Blake with Abbie Merritt from Training Services, Rodney Ney, Skillset Consultant and Chris Garland from Dubbo Regional Council.

Congratulations to our Skillset Apprentice, Trainee, and Host of the Month winners from the Orana Region! Host of the Month: WF Industries WF Industries is a Skillset host employer that is committed to creating a positive workplace culture and supporting the growth of their apprentices. Rodney Ney, Skillset Senior Workforce Consultant, nominated WF Industries for this award, citing their exceptional efforts in skills development including employees undergoing comprehensive training across various trade facets, ensuring a broad spectrum of work opportunities. Apprentice of the Month: Kayleb Dalton Congratulations to Kayleb Dalton for being named Skillset’s Apprentice of the Month for March. Kayleb's outstanding performance and proactive attitude at Western Plains Automotive have truly stood out. Trainee of the Month: Ella Stanford A big shoutout to Ella Stanford, our Trainee of the Month! Ella’s determination, enthusiasm, and commitment to her traineeship have set her apart at Dubbo Regional Council – Rainbow Cottage Child Care Centre. Congratulations to all our winners!

A job interview is the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate you are the right candidate for a particular job. As a result, it is important to present the best version of yourself when asked to attend a job interview. Many job seeking articles provide tips on what you should do in a job interview, but few focus on behaviours that could possibly damage your chances of winning the job you want. Skillset’s Recruitment Team has had thousands of interactions with job candidates and has seen the very best of behaviours in job interviews but alas – also some behaviours which could be improved! To read our full blog on The Don'ts and Don'ts of Job Interviews please follow the link below: https://ow.ly/w7JE50RmR3y

We are excited to announce Skillset is a finalist for the 2024 Western NSW Business Awards for Outstanding Community Organisation! We are extremely proud to have been recognised for the life-changing work we do and the positive impact we make in our regional communities across Western NSW. We look forward to the upcoming Awards Event on May 31st in Bathurst at Rydges Mount Panorama where we are also sponsoring the Outstanding Employee Category. We wish all other finalists the best of luck!

We're proud to showcase our current apprentices who are completing their apprenticeships at Moolarben Coal Mine in Mudgee. Recently, they had the exciting opportunity to go on an underground tour led by HST Advisor, Reggie Gilbert! From left to right, pictured: Connor Antich, Edward Burns, Garry Bridgland, Shayna Hickey, Tyron Reynolds, Joshua Williamson and Zoe Stuart

We are excited to share Skillset's Youth Connect program is now open to individuals aged 15 to 21 who are not currently engaged in employment or education. Youth Connect is a free service dedicated to working with youth, helping them tailor their career paths. Who can we help? - Anyone aged 15 to 21. - Not currently engaged in school, training or working in a paid job (or not be working more than 8 hours per week). - Living in the Central West and Dubbo. - Not currently engaged with an Employment Service Provider or participating in any other program supporting youth transitions to work or study. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, reach out and learn more about how Youth Connect can help. Visit www.skillset.com.au or call 1300 853 525. Skillset Youth Connect is a Get Back in the Game program funded by the NSW Department of Education.

Meet Phoebe and Xavier, part of the Skillset Land Works team! They recently completed chainsaw training in Lithgow, an essential skill for their roles in the Land Works team and projects across regional NSW. Skillset Land Works offers employment and skills development opportunities, specialising in efficient project management for natural environment projects. Established to provide professional maintenance and project management services to various clients, including local councils, government authorities, mining organisations, schools, and commercial businesses, Land Works also focuses on empowering young people to gain training, experience, and skills. Skillset is proud to be able to support people like Phoebe and Xavier.