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As the General Manager of Apprentice Employment Services (AES) that operates the registered Group Training Organisation at MTA WA Training, Amanda Dawes is already making a significant impact since joining the organisation in March 2025.
With more than 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, 16 years in trade-based industries, and over four years managing Group Training Organisations (GTOs), Amanda brings a wealth of industry knowledge, strategic leadership, and passion to her role.
MTA WA Training is the state’s largest employer of automotive apprentices and trainees, placing Amanda and her team at the forefront of workforce development in the automotive industry. “I’m responsible for the day-to-day operations and compliance of the GTO, along with its strategic growth, safety, and financial management,” Amanda explains. “But just as importantly, I’m here to guide and support the AES team - ensuring we have clear goals, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to supporting apprentices and host employers.”
Since joining the MTA WA, Amanda has quickly begun laying the groundwork for key initiatives and innovations aimed at enhancing support for apprentices and host employers, while expanding the reach of AES services across Western Australia.
Leading Change Through Innovation and Expansion
As part of the overall strategic plan, the MTA WA has been investing in all service areas of the organisation to strengthen and build upon its already strong foundations. One of Amanda’s key projects is the introduction of a new apprentice management system - a central platform that will streamline compliance, improve reporting, and offer a more connected experience for apprentice employment consultants, apprentices, and host employers alike.
The organisation is also focused on upskilling both staff and the broader industry in industrial relations and employment regulations, with Amanda ensuring the AES team stays ahead of the curve in legislative compliance and workforce support. To support growth, the MTA WA has expanded the team’s resources alongside its existing expertise, enabling Amanda to develop new field territories and extend the Association’s reach across both member and non-member businesses - with the goal of increasing value and visibility across the state.
Looking Ahead: Retention, Mentoring and Industry Impact
In the year ahead, Amanda and her team will place a strong emphasis on mentoring, retention, and industry-ready outcomes – continuing to work closely with MTA WA Training’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and the Membership and Industry Engagement team to support the broader automotive sector.
“Our goal is to support apprentices and hosts through every step of the journey,” she says. “By focusing on quality mentoring and meaningful engagement, we can improve retention rates and ensure the industry continues to benefit from well-trained, job-ready tradespeople.”
Amanda’s positive leadership style and broad experience is already shaping a forward-thinking, agile AES team - one that’s deeply committed to supporting the needs of WA’s evolving automotive industry.
