MORETTO BUILDING’S ENDURING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE APPRENTICESHIP FACTORY EXEMPLIFIES THE BENEFITS AND SUCCESS OF A WELL-ESTABLISHED APPRENTICESHIP MODEL.
Since the 1960s, Moretto Building has significantly contributed to the Goulburn Valley's landscape and construction industry.
Their privately owned and operated company, now directed by Frank Moretto, operates throughout regional Victoria, with its head office situated in the heart of Shepparton.
Frank’s vast knowledge and experience in the industry are highly regarded, respected and appreciated by many in the community.
One company that particularly values his ongoing commitment and industry expertise is The Apprenticeship Factory.
The Apprenticeship Factory chief executive officer Paula Ryan said their ongoing support for over 20 years is highly valued, and they have taken on many apprentices over those years.
One worthy of mention is Paul Scott, who commenced his apprenticeship with The Apprenticeship Factory in 1994.
After completion, Paul remained with Moretto Building and is now one of its senior site managers.
“I am so thankful for the start The Apprenticeship Factory gave me all those years ago,” Paul said.
“It was a great opportunity. Back then, it was hard, but they made it all very easy. It’s been great to work with Frank and the team all those years since.
“If anyone is looking at getting into a trade, The Apprenticeship Factory is worth a call – my experience was great, and I haven’t looked back.”
Frank Moretto’s relationship with The Apprenticeship Factory began in the early 90s.
However, in 2008, he became a board member. A role that he remains passionate about today.
“I remember being approached by a field officer to take on one of their apprentices,” Frank said.
“It all started from there, and we’ve had many since. Some, like Paul, still work for me today.”
Frank also said the good thing about Goulburn Murray Group Training, which trades as The Apprenticeship Factory, is that as a business, you have the flexibility to rotate your apprentices and trainees.
Alternatively, as an apprentice or trainee, there are options to work with multiple businesses to find the best fit.
Additionally, the team at The Apprenticeship Factory ensures that they always have work.
“It’s very much about what work is available too,” Frank said.
“Sometimes a business might be quiet, and I’m busy, so I’ll take kids on for a month, three months, four months, five months, and then they’ve gone back to that original business when they are busy again.
“That’s the beauty of the group training organisation is that it was able to assist like that. It’s all about the flexibility of the scheme.
“And finding that right fit for that kid, too. He may be suited to more of a smaller team than a larger one and that’s what The Apprenticeship Factory sorts out for them. It’s brilliant really.”
Using The Apprenticeship Factory offers businesses several benefits, including access to well-vetted and qualified apprentices, flexibility in workforce management, and reduced administrative burdens as they handle payroll, insurance and compliance.
It provides a cost-effective staffing solution, ongoing training and support for apprentices, and contributes to long-term workforce development by fostering loyal, skilled employees.
Additionally, it enhances a business’ reputation within the community, mitigates hiring risks by ensuring legal compliance, and allows scalability to adjust the workforce based on project demands.
In the scheme of things, it’s no wonder this effective approach has lasted 40 years.
“I’ve enjoyed the relationship I’ve had with the group training and The Apprenticeship Factory,” Frank said.
“It’s been nothing but positive. They’ve been very helpful with employment for this business, and even for myself personally.
“I couldn’t really ask any more of them, to be honest. Anyone looking for an apprentice should seriously consider this model. It’s just easy.”
By Kelly Carmody