EQUIPPING the next generation of workers with new skills and allowing young people to blossom has always been central to the work of Group Training Employment (GTE) general manager Brenton Lewis.
“I live and breath this, I believe in the product, I believe in getting jobs for the kids,” Mr Lewis said.
“It is a very rewarding to think you can make a difference in kids’ lives.”
That commitment to the region’s young people was recently honoured when Mr Lewis was awarded Apprentice Employment Network SA life membership.
Mr Lewis is the first GTE manager since its inception in 1985 to be made a life member and is one of only a select few in the state’s group training sector to be bestowed the honour.
The peer recognition comes as Mr Lewis prepares to retire in July next year after 19 years at the helm of GTE, the state’s largest employer of apprentices and trainees outside the metropolitan area.
“I was pretty chuffed to be honest – I had suspected something was happening because I had been asked a few questions,” Mr Lewis said.
“It is a huge honour and recognition for GTE for creating jobs for kids.”
With over 200 apprentices and trainees currently employed by GTE, Mr Lewis took the surprise opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s history.
“GTE has been providing training for kids and helped keep kids in jobs since 1985,” he said.
“Let’s not forget where we started, GTE was founded by Lions, Rotary and Mount Gambier City Council to keep local kids in local jobs.”
State Industry and Trade Minister David Pisoni presented life membership to Mr Lewis, commending his leadership in the group training industry.
“Brenton has formed strong relationships with all key stakeholders and through these relationships, partnerships and dialogue, he has built up trust and integrity to champion the reputation and credibility of group training both in South Australia and nationally,” Mr Pisoni said.
“Brenton has always acted honourably and ethically when representing group training and has provided the highest level of support to GTE’s host employers.”
Looking to the future, Mr Lewis said group training would remain part of his life and while he had opted to not sit on the GTE board, he would still be active in the industry.
“I have been asked to serve on a board in Warrnambool and they have 500 apprentices over there,” Mr Lewis said.
“That will just keep me in the game and allow me to still be a part of the national scene.”
