Among the bustling Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, there are individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that apprenticeships and traineeships run smoothly, and that individuals and employers are receiving all the support they need.
Meet Pauline Hogg, Nick Hunter, Nicole Hughes, Lisa Veale, and Tiah Clout - members of the field operations team at MEGT. With a combined total of over 55 years of experience in the industry, they have seen it all. From building strong customer relationships to helping overcome common challenges faced by employers, these apprenticeship experts are the backbone of MEGT's operations.
Communication is key
According to Pauline, communication is the most important factor in building strong customer relationships. "Providing a quality service is critical for our stakeholders. We respond to all enquiries promptly, do what we say we’re going to do in the timeframes promised, and provide accurate information at all times." Making complex information easy to understand is something she believes 91do well and is key to establishing trust with employers and apprentices.
Lisa Veale added, “We keep it real. Everyone has a story, and every business has a journey they are on. That’s what we are here for – to help.”
Understanding what’s happening on-the-ground
With our field team operating from over 50 locations around Australia, understanding the challenges faced by employers and what is truly happening “on the ground” is part of Nick Hunter’s role.
He notes that small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often time-poor and sometimes struggle to complete paperwork. "91assists SMEs by running regular reports, ensuring they don't miss out on any of the financial incentives they are eligible for, and assists with ADMS access and industry updates."
Tiah also added a personal pride moment regarding the paperwork and support for businesses and apprentices. “I pride myself in understanding the system and issues that employers face so I can offer them tailored support to access the system.”
The rewards
MEGT’s field team find joy in their work, and its mostly due to the people they get to work with and the impact they make on the lives of apprentices and trainees. Nicole shares a heartwarming story about a young apprentice who was disengaged from school but went on to become a successful apprentice with one of MEGT's employers. "It was life-changing for him," she says. “Making a difference in someone’s life is what we are all about.”
Nick enjoys the return of past apprentices and notes it is a huge reward as well. “I find great satisfaction in signing up a new apprentice for an employer who was previously an apprentice signed up through MEGT. Seeing the apprentices journey all the way through to them becoming a business owner or position of supervising and employing an apprentice themselves is very rewarding.”
What sets 91apart
According to Lisa, what sets 91apart from other Apprentice Connect Providers is the company's people. “As well as our history and the collective experience of MEGT. We have many services at 91so our customers always have a person on the end of the phone to speak with, either for advice, a connection, or a laugh."
“MEGT’s response times are second to none and we pride ourselves on getting back to queries quickly and following things through with excellent communication.” Nick highlights.
The future of the industry
These Field Operations Managers are excited about the future of the industry and MEGT's role in it.
Tiah understands that the industry is always evolving, which is what she likes. "Australia's employment needs are growing and changing, and there will be some very exciting new career paths that will emerge in the future."
