Gary Workman is the Executive Director of the Apprenticeship Employment Network, which represents not for profit group training organisations. Within Victoria group training organisations employ over 7000 apprentices and trainees across all sectors of industry through a large network of host employers.

Within Australia, Group Training Organisations employ over 24,000 apprentices, and are a large employer in regional towns, supporting small employers and industry with skill shortage trades. The network also provides greater participation and successful completions for indigenous apprentices, women in trades and jobseekers experiencing disadvantage.

Gary assumed the role in 2009 and leads AEN and its members on public policy, government projects and research activities, including overseeing relationships with a wide range of industry and government stakeholders.

In 2018 AEN joined the Global Apprenticeship Network as the Australian network member — one of 17 countries. GAN brings organisations together to highlight best practice in youth employment through workplace training and career development and in June 2023 supported the establishment of the Quality Apprenticeships framework through the ILO.

Gary brings over 20 years’ experience in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and has worked on numerous government initiatives in the areas of workforce development, apprenticeships, OH&S, COVID and economic response and the environment.

He was a member of the Victorian Governments Apprenticeship Taskforce between 2016-2019 through the Victorian Skills Commission Office and is a current Board director of the VET Development Centre and a member of the Victorian Governments 2023-24 Apprenticeship Taskforce on Apprenticeship safety.

Gary has also been an ambassador for the Bullyzero Australia Foundation which supports the awareness of workplace bullying and mental health issues.