BGT Latest News

Perseverance pays in winning BEST first year apprentice

Jordan Whyte a first year apprentice with BGT and working at Ballarat Stone Cutting was announced the best first year apprentice Stonemason in Victoria last week at the Trowel Trades Awards Ceremony, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE.

“This is an outstanding achievement by Jordan and one that he should be rightfully proud of,” commented BGT Field Officer Don Hanlon.

Paul Trevenen, Managing Director at Ballarat Stone Cutting praised Jordan for his achievement and feels that it is through Jordan’s perseverance, the onsite training by staff at Ballarat Stone Cutting, his offsite training at Holmesglen TAFE and the strong support and mentoring by BGT that assisted Jordan in achieving this outstanding recognition.

Jordan Whyte is like a lot of other young Australians, when faced with making a career choice he found it difficult to identify just what it was that he wanted to do.

Jordan liked being creative and wanted to see something tangible for his efforts, he wanted to work with raw materials and turn them into something you could admire and be proud of. “I tried a few things, bricklaying amongst them,” said Jordan.

That not being quite what he was looking for he eventually found an opportunity in Stonemasonry through BGT who were engaged to recruit a new apprentice for Ballarat Stone Cutting.

“It can be difficult for young people to find their way into a career at 16, an age where responsibility for your career is in their hands. BGT can assist young people with advice on Career paths, Pre Apprenticeship options and Practical placement opportunities.’ commented Don Hanlon

“Jordan is proof that you can try a few things, and when you find something you are happy doing, you can do extremely well,” said Don

Several other young Victorian apprentices were awarded and are to be congratulated for their achievements in traditional trades such as plastering, wall & floor tiling, solid plastering, bricklaying and Heritage skills all with outstanding efforts in their chosen field of endeavour.

BGT congratulate Jordan for this outstanding achievement, congratulate Paul and his staff for their dedication to training and providing employment opportunities like this for young people and setting an example of what can be done if you are willing to persevere.

Jordan had his family in attendance at the Awards, he was also supported by his host employer Paul Trevenen of Ballarat Stone Cutting and BGT Field Officer Don Hanlon.

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Media contact: Don Hanlon 0437 688530

New Program for the Regions Youth

The Federal Government has developed a new support program for our local youth kicking off as off the 1st of January this year and BGT is delighted to announce their success in securing the funding to deliver the new ‘Youth Connections’ program.

Youth Connections will provide an individualised service for young people most at risk of disengaging from either education or training. Melissa Sizeland, Youth Connections Manager commented, “By assisting to support these young people attain a qualification and help them transition through education into further study, or employment we will provide a structure for them to succeed and become a valuable asset to our community.”

The BGT Youth Connections Program will focus on the 13 – 19 year age group identified as being at risk either from disengaging from education, family or the community. Ms Sizeland said “We will be providing case management for each individual with one on one assistance, group programs, mentoring, advocacy, referrals to specialist services and youth outreach activities.”

Youth Connections has replaced the previous Youth Pathways program run by BGT and incorporates strategic local partners in Lead On and BEST Community Development. Lead On will be providing a mentoring program for the disengaged youth and BEST Community Development will participate in engaging young people with training activities as required. Sarah-Kate Brusey, Manager Lead On commented that “this partnership will strengthen and provide more options for the disengaged young people in Ballarat and surrounding regions.”

Young people can participate in Youth Connections to satisfy obligations relating to the receipt of income support from Centrelink.

BGT will run the Youth Connections program in Ballarat and Western Regions including Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh with staff at each location providing support.

BGT provides opportunities for local youth whether that is an apprenticeship, traineeship, training or educational support services. BGT are dedicated to the community and provide support services for the young people in their quest to achieve their goals.

New local CEO for BGT

Mark Schultz, BGT Board Chairman welcomes the newly appointed CEO to Ballarat’s local apprenticeship

and training business Mr David Edwards.

"David’s solid managerial experience and strong background in professional development make him the

leader of choice to take BGT into the next phase," says Mr Schultz

David brings a wealth of expertise to BGT as a seasoned leader with a range of prominent local companies

and community organisations including and most recently Ballarat Community Telco.

“David is joining BGT during a very upbeat time, with an improving economic outlook for this year and

employment and skill requirements strong in the Ballarat and Melton markets.” stated Mr Schultz.

“David is very much a people person whose management style reflects his integrity and

genuine commitment to those around him”, Mr Schultz said

BGT focuses on providing the Ballarat community with options for placing apprentices and

trainees as well a comprehensive training department providing short courses and certificate

courses for local businesses.

“We welcome David to our organization and look forward to his leadership at BGT”, Mr Schultz said.

BGT is a not-for-profit organisation with an aim to create opportunities for individuals looking for

employment as an apprentice or trainee. BGT is also a registered training organisation providing

registered training courses to the local community.

David Edwards replaces Gerrie Mitra who was Chief Executive Officer of BGT for the previous

four years.