SELF-EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- General Manager of Complementary Programs at APM Employment
Adam is the General Manager of Complementary Programs at APM Employment, one of Australia's leading providers of government funded employment services.
He is currently Vice Chairperson of the National Self-Employment Association.
Early in his career, Adam spent over ten years working in employment services, commencing as an Employment Consultant assisting long term unemployed jobseekers on their path towards employment. Adam enjoyed a number of roles within the employment services sector, culminating in national leadership roles with substantial responsibility for staff, financial and program performance management before leaving to work in the broader community sector.
Spending close to the next decade working with Australian's experiencing housing stress, homelessness and mental health concerns in General Management roles, Adam was continually reminded of the power of employment in providing a pathway towards a better future, and chose to follow his passion for employment services, joining Konekt Employment as General Manager Operations. He was appointed Chief Executive in early 2019 a position he held until completing a novation of the Konekt Employment business to APM Employment in 2020.
Adam is responsible for a range of specialist employment services at APM Employment and delivers their purpose to enable better lives through self-employment, employment and pre-employment services. APM Employment provide Self-Employment Assistance nationally.
Di has worked in Self-Employment programs since 2010 and in Registered Training Organisations for over 25 years, in various roles. During this time, she has built enduring relationships and received and provided support for many in the two industries.
She has represented providers and stakeholder groups at Regional, State and National level in the areas of Program Review and consultation, Training Package review, ASQA Audit Trial, and Industry consultation. She is a passionate advocate for supporting people to become self-sufficient and of lifelong learning.
Her current role as Chief Executive Officer includes representing members of the National Self-Employment Association to government, providing individual support to members and their participants, liaising with other government programs to find common goals, and ensuring that members have a voice that is heard within the administration of the program.
Client groups that she has worked with include unemployed, underemployed, migrants, indigenous groups, adult learners, and parents returning to the workforce. Working across multiple funding bodies and states of South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Northern Territory along with Commonwealth projects, Di has navigated through the rules and regulations of each system and applies this learning during discussions and reviews.
Luke joined the family business in 2007 and for the past 15 years has been involved in all aspects of operations as a New Enterprise Incentive Scheme and now Self Employment Assistance provider.
Having worked across 4 tender contracts, he has implemented and managed changes including the variations and complexities involved under different governments and underpinning agendas.
Luke enjoys working in this space whilst helping people follow their passion and turn business opportunities into reality. With an extensive knowledge of the program and systems involved, he brings this experience from the program coal face to NSEA.
Being familiar with the barriers of distance from more populated states, Luke has experience in ensuring that communication remains viable and effective for all.
He continues working directly with the department in an official capacity with NSEA to help address ongoing issues with all facets of the program and is a voice for members.
Mel is the National Operation Managers for Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs, supporting the team across QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. Mel has been working in employment services since 2012, joining the NEIS team with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs as a trainer and business coach in 2013.
As a small business owner for over 25 years, Mel is passionate about supporting others in realising their dreams and has assisted over 700 individuals to start their own business. Mel believes that the most rewarding aspects of working in NEIS / Self Employment Assistance is to see individuals grow, gain confidence, and increase their belief that they can achieve business success!
As a member of the board, Mel is focused on representing and supporting providers to ensure successful outcomes for Self-Employment Assistance for both providers and participants.
Mel is also a registered Provisional Psychologist and provides services to job seekers to support with mental health barriers that prevent them achieving employment success. Mel also has a strong interest in Organisation Psychology, particularly relating to individual traits that contribute towards entrepreneurial effectiveness and is hoping to research this further.
Since beginning in Retail over 35 years ago, Sam has held a number of leadership and Management positions. Sam currently holds the position of Treasurer of the Association
His experience in Business Development and operating a successful Registered Training Organisation, has enabled him to assist people to achieve their personal, career and business goals with clarity and effectiveness.
Sam's experience with Industry and Government initiatives in the past adds to his abilities to represent and work with a broad range of individuals and communities.
Both personal and professional challenges have helped Sam develop a resilience regarding life and a "can do" attitude.
His greatest satisfaction comes from his passion to see people and organisations grow, helping them to set and achieve goals. His analytical and strategic abilities are evident in all his business interactions.
Sam's organisation has held the Self-Employment contract over the last 7 years and specialises in Remote/Region representation along with SA metropolitan Employment Regions.
Sam brings extensive Board experience to the role including 4 years as a Director for the National NEIS Association.
With more than two decades of experience in the micro business sector and extensive involvement in the delivery of the Self-Employment Assistance Program (previously NEIS), Sophia brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.
Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles, including program manager, trainer, and mentor, providing her with invaluable understanding of the program's requirements, roles, responsibilities, participants, and challenges.
Having worked across multiple programs in the Employment Services sector, Sophia has valuable insights and understanding of the needs of various stakeholders. Her previous role as CEO of the association have allowed her to develop strong working relationships with National Office and policymakers within the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). This experience has also provided her with a keen understanding of the department's priorities and policy decisions that shape the program.
As a board member, Sophia is focused on ensuring that DEWR policy enables the program to run successfully, grow, and continue to receive strong bipartisan support. She is keen to drive ongoing initiatives that ensure members have strong support, access to professional development, and national marketing campaigns. Through these types of initiatives, the association can support members and their staff in delivering high-quality programs and receiving clear and tangible benefits from their annual membership.