Orange hard hat with rays above it, surrounded by the text "Together We R.I.S.E." in blue and orange letters.
White logo of the National Apprentice Employment Network with stylized circular design above the organization's name, displayed on a light background.
Orange hard hat with rays above it, surrounded by the text "Together We R.I.S.E." in blue and orange letters.
White logo of the National Apprentice Employment Network with stylized circular design above the organization's name, displayed on a light background.

RISE & Shine ChampionsGTOs Leading a National Movement for Women in Trades

Across Australia, a powerful network of Group Training Organisations (GTOs) is proving that gender equality in trades isn’t a future aspiration — it’s a transformation already underway.

These are our RISE & Shine Champion GTOs: bold, thoughtful, and committed leaders who are reshaping how women experience apprenticeships. 

Through the Together We RISE program, Champion GTOs are helping to build a new standard for equity and inclusion in Australian trades.

That’s the world Together We RISE is building.

Woman wearing a hard hat, safety glasses, and a yellow reflective vest operates machinery indoors.

What it means to be a Champion

Champion GTOs are at the heart of the Together We RISE movement. They meet monthly, collaborate across states, and actively shape the design of our national RISE & Shine Women’s Network.

But the change doesn’t stop with numbers.

This is cultural infrastructure: leadership, training, and community systems that keep the momentum going long after the project ends.

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Contribute to program design and innovation, ensuring the RISE & Shine network reflects the real needs of women apprentices and the GTOs that support them.
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Access exclusive research, insights, and data to inform their own gender equality strategies.
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Form a powerful professional network of peers driving cultural change in every corner of Australia.
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Model leadership in inclusion, demonstrating that progress comes from sustained, practical action — not slogans.
Their collaboration is driving meaningful shifts across the sector: stronger retention, safer sites, and greater visibility of women’s achievements in trades.

Meet Our 2025 Champions

From city centres to regional communities, our 2025 Champion GTOsrepresent the breadth and strength of NAEN’s network. Each has stepped forward with courage and curiosity — to learn, lead, and share.

Community Solutions

Electrical Group Training

Golden West

HunterNet Connections

NECA

Skillset

Zeal Futures

Become a 2026 RISE & Shine Champion

In 2026, we’ll expand our cohort of GTOs ready to join this national community of practice, and help shape the next chapter of gender equality in trades.

If your organisation is ready to take practical steps toward safer, more inclusive workplaces, we invite you to be part of it.

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Participate in monthly national collaboration sessions
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Gain early access to the latest gender equity tools, data, and insights.
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Co-design initiatives that strengthen the apprenticeship experience for women.
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Receive recognition through Together We RISE channels and national events.
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Join a supportive peer network of leaders committed to systemic change.

Expressions of Interest

Open mid 2026.

Join the movement that’s redefining what leadership looks like in Australia’s training system.
Register Your Interest