Celebrating Apprenticeship Pathways at SELLEN’s “Lunch with the Winners” Event

Our Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre (ATC) proudly participated in the annual Lunch with the Winners event, hosted by the South Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) in collaboration with the City of Greater Dandenong early September.

This inspiring event brings together over 200 students from 14 secondary schools across Melbourne’s south-eastern region to hear firsthand from young people forging successful careers across diverse industries. Originally focused on manufacturing, the event has grown to showcase a wide range of career pathways, with local businesses generously supporting and engaging with students over a sit-down lunch.

This year, we were thrilled to have two of our apprentices featured on the panel discussion, sharing their journeys in the manufacturing and automotive sectors:

• Maddie Ward, a 4th stage Electrical Apprentice hosted to Hardchrome Engineering, spoke about her experiences working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, the support she’s received throughout her apprenticeship, and the skills she’s developed along the way.
• Helena Ritter, a 1st stage Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice hosted to Linde Materials Handling, shared her early impressions of the trade, the challenges she’s overcome, and her excitement for the future.
• Sam McColgan, a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice hosted to Ronson Gears, discussed his pathway into engineering, the hands-on nature of his work, and the opportunities he’s had to apply his skills in a real-world setting.

Along with the other panellists, Maddie, Helena, and Sam offered valuable insights to the student audience, encouraging them to consider apprenticeships as a rewarding and practical pathway into skilled careers. Their stories highlighted the importance of resilience, mentorship, and hands-on learning.

In a proud moment for our team, all four apprentices on the panel were connected to the Ai Group ATC by way of connection to their employers—an outstanding reflection of our commitment to developing Australia’s future workforce.

Our field team also joined students at their tables, engaging in meaningful conversations about employment opportunities, career pathways, and the realities of working in industry. These interactions are a vital part of helping young people make informed decisions about their futures.

We extend our sincere thanks to SELLEN, the City of Greater Dandenong, and all participating businesses for organising such a valuable event. Their continued support helps bridge the gap between education and employment, and we’re honoured to be part of it.