Mahlie and Vernon

After kickstarting their apprenticeships, Mahlie and Vernon are now kicking goals.

After joining APM apprenticeships in early 2025, Mahlie and Vernon are now well on their way to becoming the qualified tradespeople they’ve dreamed of. 

Left to right: Jessica Harding (Head of People & Marketing, Hanlon Industries), Participant Vernon Simpson (Engineering Apprentice), Gary Reyment (APM Apprenticeships Field Consultant), Mahlie Smith (Engineering Apprentice), Barry Allen (APM Apprenticeships Regional Manager).

Mahlie left school after Year 10 in 2024 to begin a full-time apprenticeship as part of the women in male-dominated trades stream of the program. 

Vernon, a First Nations participant, had been trying to secure an apprenticeship for nearly a year.

Both were very keen to work and learn, but as we all know, it’s hard to do it alone. 

APM Apprenticeships was there to give them the support they needed to secure and navigate their new jobs. And we’re still on the path with them.

APM Apprenticeships connects apprentices like Mahlie and Vernon with opportunities to earn while they learn in Victorian workplaces. 

Participants get essential hands-on experience while studying at TAFE or other training providers. 

Mahlie and Vernon are both well on their way to becoming fully qualified and launching their engineering careers with Hanlon Industries, a major steel and construction company in regional Victoria.

Hanlon Industries is known for its strong family-oriented workforce and takes on apprenticeships to grow their workplace capacity. It’s the perfect fit for Mahlie and Vernon.

APM Apprenticeships has provided mentoring and personal support services to help Mahlie and Vernon settle in. 

Their APM Field Consultant, Gary, has worked closely with them, ensuring they understand how the apprenticeship system supports their development. 

Now, both apprentices are working towards their Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade at the Gordon in Geelong. 

Mahlie is steadily building her skills in her chosen trade, while Vernon is finally gaining hands-on experience after searching for an apprenticeship for so long.

And we’re there with them, giving them ongoing support to help them stay on track as they work towards becoming qualified tradespeople and build strong foundations for their future careers in engineering.