By Raquel Mustillo
MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has renewed calls for an overhaul of TAFE SA to decentralise the vocational education and training provider and establish regional boards of management. Following almost three years of advocacy, Mr Bell has continued his push to abolish the centrally-operated TAFE SA board and install regional boards across the state to ensure the organisation provides education and training services that meets the needs of country communities.
The independent MP was recently joined by Shadow Education Minister Blair Boyer in a roundtable discussion with Di-Monty Training Solutions managing director Di Ind, Group Training Employment general manager Greg Megaw and other stakeholders to discuss the vocational training needs of regional industry.
By Molly Taylor
AN ABUNDANCE of infrastructure projects, funding boosts and the Limestone Coast’s reputation has resulted in the “perfect storm” for a Mount Gambier training provider, which has recorded its highest annual number of apprenticeships and traineeships in over a decade.
Group Training Employment supported over 250 apprenticeships and traineeships last year, the most seen since 2010.
GTE general manager Greg Megaw said numbers decreased to 163 in March, but a combination of factors brought figures back up to speed.
Mr Megaw said the biggest increase was in construction and more specifically bricklaying, while numbers showed there were plenty of opportunities available for school leavers and people looking for a career change.
LASTING LEGACY: Former Group Training Employment general manager (1991-99) Steve Toope, The GTE Story author Graham Greenwood and GTE visionary and instigator Colin Thompson. Pictures: FRANK MONGER
THE significant community impact of Mount Gambier’s Group Training Employment (GTE) has been immortalised in a new book documenting the organisation’s 35-year history.
Launched earlier this month, The GTE Story delves into the highs and lows since establishment and reveals how the organisation has supported the region’s young people.
More than 3000 apprentices and trainees have graduated and become the new generation of skilled technicians through GTE, with general manager Greg Megaw attributing it to a combined community effort.