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A.G. Coombs was delighted to host The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, at its Moorabbin Head Office on 30 September, showcasing the company’s nationally recognised leadership in apprentice, trainee and graduate pathways.
The visit was coordinated in partnership with MEGT — Australia’s leading not-for-profit provider of apprenticeship, employment and skills solutions — following the Minister’s request to tour a workplace that exemplifies best practice in training and workforce development.
Setting a Benchmark in Workforce Development
Kylie Miller, A.G. Coombs’ Apprentice Program Coordinator, worked closely with MEGT and the Minister’s office to facilitate the visit. Joining Minister Giles was The Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP, Federal Member for Isaacs which includes the suburb of Moorabbin.
Welcoming the delegation was Russell Telford, Managing Director,
A.G. Coombs Group, alongside representatives from the company’s Apprentice, Trainee and Graduate programs. Notable guests included:
- Blake Wallace, State Manager (VIC, QLD & TAS), MEGT.
- Edward Tudor, CEO, Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS).
- Nikki Long, CEO, Guide Dogs Victoria.
- Jen Murray, Logistics Operations Manager, Wallara.
- Kerry Ryan, A.G. Coombs Group Non-Executive Board Member and Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair.
A Proven Model for Success and Inclusion
In his opening remarks, Russell Telford highlighted the critical role apprentices, trainees and graduates play in A.G. Coombs’ success. With an apprenticeship completion rate of 94% — nearly double the national average of 50% — A.G. Coombs continues to lead the way in building a high-performing, socially inclusive workforce.
He outlined three strategic pathways within the A.G. Coombs Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan:
- Indigenous Pathways – including partnerships with MITS.
- Advancement of Women – supported by A.G. Coombs Leadership Academy events and the Build Your Future STEM Program.
- People of All Abilities – including collaboration with Wallara and emerging initiatives with Guide Dogs Victoria to support vision-impaired employment pathways.
Collaboration Driving Meaningful Change
Minister Giles and Mark Dreyfus KC MP commended A.G. Coombs as a “successful and extraordinarily stable” organisation that is “breaking down barriers” and “keeping apprenticeships alive and well in this electorate.”
Following formal proceedings, an informal meet-and-greet allowed Minister Giles and Mark Dreyfus KC MP to engage directly with program participants and witness innovation in action:
- Nathan Perera and Alexandra Alaveras, 1st and 3rd year Trainee Draftspersons respectively, demonstrated integrated prefabrication technology that enhances safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness on construction sites.
- Elaine Coventry, 4th year Electrical Engineer Graduate shared insights into the Build Your Future STEM Program.
- Rainbow McIntosh, 4th year Mechanical Plumber Apprentice spoke candidly about her personal journey and career development.
A Shared Commitment to Opportunity
“It was an honour to host Minister Giles and Member for Parliament Dreyfus,” said Russell Telford. “Their visit was a valuable opportunity to align our efforts with the government’s skills and training priorities and to showcase how our people are contributing to major building projects through advanced prefabrication technologies.”
“For our team, it was especially meaningful to share their stories and demonstrate how A.G. Coombs is enabling all members of our community to find pathways to meaningful and sustainable employment.”
To learn more about A.G. Coombs work placement programs, traineeships and apprenticeships contact Kylie Miller via the Contact Us page.
