{"id":2255,"date":"2025-11-29T15:31:52","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T14:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/?p=2255"},"modified":"2026-03-16T15:32:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T14:32:25","slug":"building-stronger-pathways-gan-globals-executive-director-visits-new-zealand-and-australia-to-advance-work-based-learning-and-apprenticeship-excellence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/building-stronger-pathways-gan-globals-executive-director-visits-new-zealand-and-australia-to-advance-work-based-learning-and-apprenticeship-excellence\/","title":{"rendered":"Building stronger pathways: GAN Global\u2019s Executive Director visits New Zealand and Australia to advance work-based learning and apprenticeship excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>GAN Global\u2019s Executive Director, Kathryn Rowan, travelled across New Zealand and Australia to engage directly with policymakers, educators, employers, researchers, and apprentices who are shaping the future of work-based learning (WBL) and youth employment in the region. The visit highlighted the momentum across both countries to strengthen apprenticeship quality, foster inclusive talent pathways, and reinforce collaboration between industry and training systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Showcasing research-informed leadership at the New Zealand VET Research Forum<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The trip began in Aotearoa, where GAN New Zealand and Skills Consulting Group hosted the two-day <a href=\"https:\/\/gan-newzealand.org\/new-zealand-vocational-education-and-training-research-forum\/\">New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum (NZVETRF)<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/feed\/update\/urn:li:activity:7384815437433360384\">forum<\/a> brought together stakeholders from across the VET ecosystem to explore trends in TVET, employer engagement, and school\u2011to\u2011work transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-3-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-3-1-edited.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-3-1-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-1-edited.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-1-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-2-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NZVETRF-2-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The event was opened by Minister Penny Simmonds (Vocational Education) and Minister Erica Stanford (Education), signaling the New Zealand Government\u2019s deepening commitment to evidence-informed and industry-led VET reform. Kathryn delivered a keynote on the importance of quality apprenticeships, highlighting how cooperation between employers, training providers, and government can strengthen workforce planning and lift apprenticeship outcomes nationwide. Her remarks emphasized the role of employer networks like GAN in building agile, future-ready national skills systems. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/gan-newzealand_nzvetrf-vocationaleducation-workbasedlearning-activity-7398542565341499392-FXZO\/\">Read more about the event<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"x-resp-embed x-is-video x-is-youtube\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum: Kathryn Rowan&#039;s Reflections\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mK-zYN9-u24?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Forum discussions reinforced several priorities for the future of skills development in New Zealand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Building stronger industry engagement in program design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoting \u201cparity of esteem\u201d between vocational and academic pathways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using research to strengthen labor market relevance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting young people through clearer school\u2011to\u2011work transitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leveraging employer case studies to improve apprenticeship quality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celebrating apprentice success and industry innovation in Australia<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Kathryn continued her trip in Australia, joining GAN Australia and its host, the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the employers supporting them.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-4-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2259\" style=\"width:384px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-4-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The visit included the 2025 Apprentice Training Awards, where apprentices, trainees, and Group Training Organizations across Victoria were recognized for their dedication, skills, and contributions to industry. GAN Australia announced its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/ganaustralia_womeninstem-scholarship-apprentice-activity-7371788172781047808-cqUC?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAAAyvnwBNvCGtg4xGIPkR0Jmddzdh3OosZc\">latest Women in STEM Scholarship<\/a>, awarded to support young women\u2019s progression in non\u2011traditional trades and strengthen gender diversity in critical sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-3-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-3-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-2-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-2-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1004\" height=\"753\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-1-edited.jpg 1004w, https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KR-AUS-trip-1-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1004px) 100vw, 1004px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kathryn reflected on the visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cSeeing apprentices grow, thrive, and discover their passions reminds me why I love my work. Meeting young people, industry leaders, apprenticeship intermediaries, and government partners making a difference on the ground was truly inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Her visit also included meetings with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Westvic Staffing Solutions board<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apprentices at Tasweld Engineering, where Kathryn met Chloe Cashion, the company\u2019s first female metal fabrication apprentice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trainees at Wannon Water, including Daisy, Zara, and Jake, completing Certificate III in Business Administration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These conversations provided firsthand insights into how apprenticeships change lives, strengthen communities, and deliver real value to employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>AEN and GAN Australia launch new apprenticeship ROI calculator<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A highlight of the Australia visit was the launch of a new <a href=\"https:\/\/gan-australia.org\/roi\/\">Return on Investment (ROI) for apprenticeship programs research<\/a>. Early findings reveal that for every $1 employers invest, they receive $1.46 in return, and the broader community gains $4.76 in social and economic benefits. This tool is a major step toward quantifying apprenticeships\u2019 value and strengthening employer engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A regional commitment to stronger skills systems<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Across both countries, Kathryn\u2019s engagements highlights the momentum in the region: New Zealand is deepening its focus on evidence-based policy and industry-aligned VET pathways, while Australia continues to lead in employer\u2011driven models, celebrating apprentices and providing tools to strengthen program quality and inclusiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GAN Global remains committed to supporting these national efforts and connecting them to global dialogue, ensuring that lessons learned in the region contribute to advancing high-quality and inclusive apprenticeships worldwide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GAN Global\u2019s Executive Director, Kathryn Rowan, travelled across New Zealand and Australia to engage directly with policymakers, educators, employers, researchers, and apprentices who are shaping the future of work-based learning (WBL) and youth employment in the region. The visit highlighted the momentum across both countries to strengthen apprenticeship quality, foster inclusive talent pathways, and reinforce collaboration between industry and training&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2288,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-announcements","category-events"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2255"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2255\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gan-global.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}