The Skilling Australia Foundation Team
Frederick J. Maddern OBE, Chairman
Fred Maddern is the Chairman of Skilling Australia Foundation, and is a passionate advocate for training programs which help young Australians reach their potential and successfully transition from school into secure and rewarding careers. In a wide-ranging career, he has held foundational and significant roles with numerous government and community organisations, including as CEO of the Western Region Commission and President of the Municipal Association of Victoria.
Nicholas Wyman, CEO and Co-Founder
Nicholas Wyman is a workforce development and apprenticeship expert, speaker and author who has fostered a workforce development model that uses mentoring to shape the thinking, attitude, abilities and skills of people as they make the transition from school to work. A Winston-Churchill Memorial Fellow, Nicholas has completed in-depth research into school-to-work transitions and skilled careers.
Joanne Gedge, General Manager
Joanne is the Foundation’s General Manager. Joanne has 10 years experience in the management of Not for Profit community organisations. She has extensive experience in delivering front line programs that assist young people in accessing training and employment in partnership with TAFEs, employers and other engaged stakeholders.
Andrew Sezonov, General Manager
Andrew has a passion for ensuring young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. He finds his work with Skilling Australia Foundation to be both personally satisfying and rewarding. Andrew is the Chair of 2 P-TECH Pathways in Technology Partnerships in South Australia and Western Australia. Andrew enjoys traveling to the United States in his spare time, volunteering on youth empowerment and leadership camps and providing structured mentoring to young people experiencing challenges in life.
Janet Searle, Partnerships Manager
Janet has held a variety of senior learning and organisational development leadership roles for over 20 years in blue chip multi-nationals including BHP Billiton and Shell. As Partnerships Manager Janet leverages this experience to develop programs and employer relationships that create opportunities for disadvantaged young people to launch their careers.
Alex Hatton, National P-TECH Industry Liaison Co-ordinator
Alex brings to the Foundation over 20-years experience in senior roles and has a core focus on youth. Alex is also the industry liaison for the Newcomb Secondary College P-TECH pilot program and is also involved in the P-TECH expansion which now stretches to 14 schools and involves 20 employer partners.
Sharna Peters, Programs Manager
A Human Resources professional with over 20 years’ experience in both specialist and generalist HR roles, Sharna has experience in implementing large scale change and transformational initiatives. Sharna’s experience spans numerous industries including telecommunications, banking, finance and immigration and extends through all areas of business from front line to corporate areas. Sharna has a passion for making a difference and helping others achieve their aspirations.
Janine McPhee, Programs Manager
Janine has spent the last 20 years, consulting, managing and helping organisations and individuals map pathways to secure and prosperous futures. She has extensive experience across multiple business sectors including a decade with the multinational technology company Samsung. Janine’s business career has been complimented by 5 years with a nonprofit community enterprise focused on assisting young people get a start in the workforce. Her roles have included mentoring individuals to reach their full potential. Janine also has experience in delivering front line programs that assist young people in accessing training and employment in partnership with TAFEs,employers and other community stakeholders.
Amy-Lou Cowdroy-Ling, Programs Advisor
Amy-Lou has an extensive business administration skill set acquired over more than a decade in white collar, health sectors and foundation work. Amy-Lou has had exposure to community philanthropy and grant making processes. As Programs Advisor, Amy-Lou works on special projects and program development and oversees the day-to-day functions of the foundation including P-TECH Australia.
Lisa-Marie Cupido, Senior Administrative Coordinator
Lisa-Marie has several years’ experience in contract administration, operations and team management within the commercial construction industry. Lisa-Marie has gained professional experience in both Australia and the UK. In 2012 Lisa-Marie took a 6 month secondment from her professional career to help disadvantaged children in South Africa. As the Senior Administrative Co-ordinator Lisa-Marie manages the daily administration of the Foundation and P-TECH programs as well as maintaining the Foundations digital media platforms.