Commencing with NTHA this week, Damian brings more than 15 years’ experience across VET, apprenticeships and traineeships, workforce development and stakeholder engagement.
His career has focused heavily on supporting young people as they enter the workforce, while working closely with employers, training organisations, schools and other industry stakeholders.
“My passion lies in closing the skill shortages gaps we’re experiencing across our skilled trades and setting young people up for success,” Damian says.
Most recently, Damian spent three years building a school-based VET program, working with host employers across NSW to support students undertaking their mandatory two-week work placements.
“It was a challenging space; a lot of students aren’t aware of the myriad of vocational pathways available within the AQF, the education system is limited in what they can deliver which can leave young people without a direction for post school life,” he says.
Before that, Damian worked in the apprenticeship support space with Apprenticeship Support Australia, including mentoring apprentices and trainees across NSW.
“I was working in the mentoring space, I ran the in-training support team across New South Wales, (In addition to my own caseload) supporting Apprentices, Trainees & Employers through Fires, Floods and COVID-19” he says.
That experience has given Damian a strong understanding of the different stages within the lifecycle of an apprenticeship or traineeship – and the support that can make a difference along the way.
His experience includes participant onboarding and progression, stakeholder relationship management, compliance and issue resolution, as well as retention and early intervention.
In his new role with NTHA, Damian will work closely with apprentices, trainees, host employers, RTOs and the broader NTHA team across NSW.
For apprentices and trainees, his experience means having someone who understands the challenges that can arise throughout their training journey. For employers, Damian brings practical experience in supporting apprentices and trainees and working through issues when they arise.
With his strong focus on mentoring, relationships and workforce development, Damian is looking forward to helping NTHA apprentices, trainees and employers achieve successful outcomes.
Welcome to NTHA, Damian!