Gisborne local named vet champion

Chris Mallon, National Sales Manager from ACM Auto Parts has been named among the first VET Champions, a new Victorian Government initiative showcasing locals who have built successful careers through Vocational Education and Training (VET).

Mr Mallon, a Gisborne local, joins 21 other VET Champions selected to share their story and inspire the next generation of young people by demonstrating the rewarding careers secondary school students can reach through VET.

Mr Mallon did an apprenticeship to become a motor mechanic and worked in a wrecking yard. He soon realised that he was also great at data and analytics, and the owner moved him into warehousing and sales.

After a fulfilling career, he is now National Sales Manager, he leads a team of 14 people and manages exports of around $5 million at ACM Auto Parts.

Member for Mary-Anne Thomas has congratulated Chris, who will share his valuable experiences at events, participate in panel discussions, and meet with students at school events and careers days.

The VET Champions initiative complements broader reforms to the senior secondary system that will ensure senior secondary students can make informed choices about further study, jobs and their futures through an excellent education, the development of strong life skills and early engagement with the world of work.

The reforms are supported by a $38.1 million investment included in the 2020/21 Victorian Budget which builds on the Victorian Government’s historic investment of $315.5 million in vocational and applied learning for senior secondary students since 2018. Find out more about the VET Champions initiative and explore their stories vic.gov.au/vet-champions.

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"I congratulate Chris on his fantastic achievement. It’s exciting to put the spotlight on our inspirational local VET Champion to illustrate the life-changing possibilities of VET training in schools and the types of futures our local students can aspire to."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
"We’re making sure Victorian secondary school students have the opportunity to pursue high-quality VET training –which is why we’re transforming career education in schools and investing in senior secondary schooling reforms."

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
"Our world-class VET system helps Victorians get rewarding jobs and happy lives – and the VET Champion program will make sure it’s the first choice for secondary students as they plan their future."