New knowledge
As job market changes, trainers keep eye on local community to discern most valuable skills
THE JOB market is everchanging and the need for reskilling or upskilling across Geelong workforces is commonplace.
AGB Training is one such provider that has worked with the local community to identify the needs of local industries.
The Geelong Training Centre first opened in Barwon Terrace in 2006 and began nationally-accredited training in manual handling, progressing into transport and logistics. They expanded in 2007 and opened the Moorabool St site and began training in community services and business.
AGB now conducts training in more than 25 regional areas within Victoria and includes hospitality, mental health, alcohol and other drug training in its courses.
The courses have helped local people such as former Ford and Alcoa employees and, more recently, the former workers of the Hazelwood power plant.
Manager Ian Neylor said training was helping to empower the community to look after the local industries and give them knowledge and skills support.
“As we have been expanding our programs throughout the Victorian regional towns, our students tell us they have been waiting for opportunities like this so they can support their own communities as they are having to deal with many social issues like drug and alcohol dependency, mental health and community engagement,” Mr Neylor said.
AGB is owned by a Geelong family and supports a number of community organisations.
It provides Skills First government-funded programs and employs more than 30 full-time staff in the Geelong training centre, as well as 25 regional sessional trainers.
AGB has commenced more than 30 courses from March this year which are catering to more than 500 students.
Mr Neylor said students came from a wide range of different experiences, but were often united in a desire to develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen area of interest.
“Our student base is wide and varied in age and background,” he said.
“Many of our communitybased courses have students that have a desire to help others or have been affected in some way and want to give back.”
“Our student base is wide and varied in age and background.”