Skillset

03/09/2026

We’re looking for passionate individuals to help shape the future of regional NSW! We are seeking applications for new Directors to join our skills-based Board, guiding strategic direction and creating life-changing opportunities for people and communities.
Be part of a values-driven, not-for-profit organisation!

Preference for candidates in Parkes, Lithgow or Central West NSW
Applications close Monday, 28 September 2026

Learn more and apply: https://skillset.com.au/2026-director-recruitment/

03/09/2026

🌳 A great outcome for Forbes!

Skillset Land Works recently partnered with Forbes Shire Council to deliver a tree planting project, made possible through funding from Edify Energy. The project was completed successfully, with all trees planted and establishment works carried out ahead of schedule.

David Ramsay, Specialist Urban Services Project Officer at Forbes Shire Council, praised the team's efforts: "They did a great job and it was a pleasure to work with people who are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. The planting was completed half a day ahead of expectations, which gave us a chance to do some mulching and watering in."

A fantastic legacy project for Forbes and a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships. We're proud to have worked alongside Forbes Shire Council, with support from Edify Energy, to deliver lasting environmental benefits for the community. 🌱

01/09/2026

🚨 We're Hiring | Project Coordinator – Renewable Energy GTO Pilot Program

Ready to help shape the workforce powering Australia's renewable energy future?

Based in Dubbo, this exciting role will lead the day-to-day delivery of Skillset's Renewable Energy GTO Pilot Program across the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

Working alongside employers, training providers, government and community partners, you'll help connect people with training, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment opportunities in one of Australia's fastest-growing industries.

Apply now and help create life-changing opportunities across regional NSW.

https://ow.ly/PWCT50ZH4wp

01/09/2026

A great day connecting with students at VERTO's First Nations Career Connection Day in Orange!

Skillset’s Ben Ruddy and Holly Clarke, had the opportunity to connect with local First Nations students last week, enjoying conversations with students about SBATs, apprenticeships, traineeships and the career support available through Skillset. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to answer questions, explore future pathways and connect young people with opportunities for life after school.

Thanks to VERTO for delivering such a well-organised and engaging day.

28/08/2026

What a fantastic way to celebrate National Skills Week!

Yesterday, we came together for the 2026 Skillset Awards to recognise the outstanding apprentices, trainees, host businesses, partner organisations and educators who are helping create life-changing opportunities across regional NSW.

A huge congratulations to all of our award winners and finalists. We’re proud of your hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence, and grateful for the opportunity to partner with you.

🏆 2026 Skillset Award Winners

• Skillset Senior College Achievement Award – Sarah Weidner (Early Childhood Trainee hosted by Rainbow Cottage Childcare Centre, Dubbo)

• Workforce Programs Partnership Award – Kylie Rogan (Western NSW Local Health District)

• Career Development Partnership Award – Denison College of Secondary Education, Bathurst Kelso High Campus - Denison College Denison College - Bathurst High Campus

• Land Works Partnership Award – Bathurst Regional Council

• Jim Todman Safety Award – Dubbo City Toyota

• Small Host Employer of the Year – TKM Electrical Bathurst

• Large Host Employer of the Year – Hort Enterprises Pty Ltd, Orange

• School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Tamahara Martin (Early Childhood SBAT hosted by Towri MACS Centre, Bathurst)

• Women in Trades Apprentice of the Year – Amy Shephard (Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding & Fabrication Apprentices hosted by WF Industries Pty Ltd, Dubbo)

• First Nations Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Madison Honeysett (Animal Welfare Trainees hosted by Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC)

• Joyce Hawkes Trainee of the Year – Christine Sims (Business Administration Trainee hosted by Regional Investment Corporation, Orange)

• Gordon Hawkes Apprentice of the Year – James Davidson (Carpentry Apprentice hosted by B Moore Constructions, Oberon)

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate these achievements. Together, you're helping build skills, careers and stronger communities across regional NSW.

✨Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing the stories behind each of our award winners, celebrating their achievements, journeys and the impact they're making in their workplaces, industries and communities.✨

25/08/2026

National Skills Week 2026 | Life Changing

This week we're celebrating National Skills Week and the life-changing impact of skills, training and vocational education.

Whether it's a school leaver starting an apprenticeship, a trainee gaining confidence in the workplace, or someone taking a new career direction, skills can open doors to opportunities that change lives.

Skills don't just benefit individuals. They strengthen industries, build communities and help create the workforce needed for Australia's future.

At Skillset, we're proud to support people across regional NSW through apprenticeships, traineeships, education and employment programs that help turn potential into opportunity.

Here's to our apprentices, trainees, students, employers and mentors who are building brighter futures every day.

24/08/2026

Skillset is proud to announce it has been selected to deliver a new Group Training Organisation (GTO) program supporting apprenticeships and traineeships within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

Funded through a $1.5 million investment by the NSW Government and delivered in partnership with EnergyCo and the NSW Department of Education, the program will help develop the skilled workforce needed to support one of the state's most significant renewable energy projects.

The initiative will provide local people with pathways into renewable energy careers while making it easier for businesses to employ apprentices and trainees. Through the Group Training model, apprentices and trainees can continue their training across multiple projects and host employers, helping them complete their qualifications and build long-term careers in the industry.

As a regional not-for-profit organisation with a long history of supporting workforce development across the Central West, Skillset is excited to help create new opportunities for local communities to benefit from the jobs generated by the renewable energy sector.

We thank the NSW Government, EnergyCo and the NSW Department of Education for their support and look forward to working with industry, employers and job seekers to make this initiative a success.

It was wonderful to be able to launch this program at Specialized Electrical Pty Ltd, a Skillset host employer in Dubbo, and we thank Len and Julia Darlington for opening up their workshop and to connect with their apprentices.

To learn more about the program, visit energyco.nsw.gov.au/cwo-gto or contact Skillset.

Steve Whan MP

18/08/2026

A great outcome for Bathurst 🌱

Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council has secured funding through the NSW Environmental Trust’s Protecting our Places program to restore and care for Wahluu Gamarra – Wiradjuri Reserve (formerly Sir Joseph Banks Nature Reserve).

The project will focus on improving the 135 acre site, including native habitat, enhancing biodiversity, reducing invasive weeds, and supporting caring for Country through practical on ground works.

Skillset Land Works is proud to be working alongside BLALC to help deliver the project, supporting environmental outcomes while creating local training and employment opportunities.

We’re excited for BLALC and that these works will improve this well-known site. Stay tuned as the project progresses! 🌱

Pictured: Skillset Landworks Manager - Russell Meadley and CEO of BLALC Toni-Lee Scott

17/08/2026

2027 enrolments are now open at Skillset Senior College. If you're exploring a different approach to education for your young person, learn more below!

2027 ENROLMENTS ARE NOW OPEN!

Does your young person need a fresh start, a different approach, or a school where learning feels possible again?

Skillset Senior College is an innovative, independent senior school for students in Years 10 to 12, with campuses in Bathurst and Dubbo.

Our mission is to partner with young people who may be experiencing barriers to education and support them to complete their secondary schooling.

Enrolments are now open for Year 10 in 2027, with limited places also available for Year 11.

We create a supportive environment where every student is known, valued and encouraged to show up as themselves. We connect first, build confidence and help young people reconnect with learning.

Want to learn more? Complete our online enrolment enquiry form and come and have a chat with our friendly staff.

https://www.skillsetseniorcollege.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/

16/08/2026

We're thrilled to see DSL Construction recognised at the 2026 Master Builders Association of NSW Western Regions Excellence in Building Awards. 🏆

The restoration of our historic Head Office at 1 Church Street was a project that required care, craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the DSL team delivered every step of the way.

Congratulations on taking home both Commercial Builder of the Year and Winner – Restoration of an Historic Building.

We're proud to call this award-winning building home.