This episode, we sit down with the powerhouse trio behind Future Lady Tradies - to unpack how three young women are reshaping the blue-collar landscape. From recruitment roots to building a national movement, FLT is all about supporting female apprentices, breaking down gender barriers, and building real change from the ground up.

We dive into:

• The origin story behind Build It Like A Tradie

• How a failed uni stint led to a bold mission

• The hustle of running events, getting kicked out of Bunnings, and delivering school programs with real impact

• What it’s like being young, underestimated, and ambitious

• The importance of mentorship and showing up authentically

📍Featured Guests:

Future Lady Tradies – Insta @futureladytradies
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After a long hiatus, Corey and Matt return to the mic for Major Convos with their trademark mix of laughs, insights, and industry truths. From government contract chaos to personal milestones (hello, turning 40), the boys cover the year so far, unpack the human impact of sector changes, and share what’s ahead for Major Training and its newest venture, Churchill Education.

Also in this episode:

• Launch party highlights and hilarious mishaps

• Insights into the evolving apprenticeship landscape

• Racing laps, kitty litter spins, and the fastest lap controversy

• Why collaboration and laughter matter more than ever in training

This is the start of a fresh season—new guests, real stories, and plenty more to come. Let’s roll.

In this episode of Major Convos, we’re joined by the dynamic and outspoken Phil Bevan, currently dialling in from the beautiful Bali.

A country NSW boy turned industry advocate and disruptor, Phil’s career has taken him from teaching in classrooms to running his own RTO, founding a consultancy firm, and even leading an IT company. Now back in the consulting space, he’s helping larger providers navigate the complex world of vocational education and training (VET).

Known for saying the things others shy away from, Phil shares his candid insights on the state of the sector. He’s passionate about petitioning for change, advocating for a vibrant and varied training industry that supports TAFE while recognizing its limitations. His innovative approach challenges the traditional models, calling for a more dynamic and inclusive system that caters to all learners.

Phil also dives into his TAE Petition—a campaign sparking debate and encouraging fresh perspectives in VET. With a mind that runs at a mile a minute and a laugh about his lack of sleep, Phil is unapologetically passionate about shaking up the status quo.

Tune in to hear his thoughts on industry bodies, the gaps in consultation, and why he believes it’s time to think outside the box. This is an episode you won’t want to miss—controversial edge included!

Check out Phil's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillbevan/

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Lees from AFL Cairns as we explore the transformative power of the Suns Graduate Program, an entry-level initiative aimed at inspiring and guiding 15–19-year-olds using the dynamic world of AFL as a vehicle for personal growth. So much more than just playing footy, this program focuses on building lifelong skills like communication, self-discipline, tenacity and time management. The program combines community engagement with technical training through the Certificate II in Workplace Skills provided by Major Training.

We dive into the incredible diversity of the cohort, with 70–80% of participants coming from First Nations backgrounds and highlight the resilience it took to resurrect this program when it was on the brink of being lost. Discover how this initiative not only supports struggling youth but also leverages the benefits of being part of a sporting community—insights that can transform various aspects of life.

Hear inspiring stories, including past program graduate Heidi Talbot’s journey toward being drafted at an elite level and learn about the AFL Cape York House program, future facility upgrades and how the community can rally around to ensure the ongoing success of this impactful initiative changing the trajectory of youth through sports.

In this powerfully vulnerable episode of Major Convos, we sit down with Jason Banks, co-CEO of TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), to discuss the need for mental health awareness within blue-collar industries. From his own experience in the corporate world to taking a transformative 4-year sabbatical, enduring the Kokoda Trail and his own personal experiences with mental health, Jason shares the lessons he's learned, the importance of finding purpose and leadership.

He delves into the work of TradeMutt, a movement that’s using colour and conversation to bring light to mental health issues that are often left in the dark. TradeMutt’s iconic workwear shirts have become a powerful tool for breaking the stigma and turning strangers into mates, all while raising the funds to provide free mental health support to tradies, truckies, farmers and other blue-collar workers through TIACS.

Jason emphasises the importance of every purchase of TradeMutt merchandise helping make mental health care accessible for everyone, everywhere and fund professional, confidential counselling services, possibly offering another hour of support for someone in need.

Tune in to this insightful conversation and learn how small actions—like wearing a bright shirt—can lead to big changes in how we talk about and take care of mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, or you just need to talk through the noise in your head, TIACS is here to help. Reach out Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 10 PM, by calling or texting 0488846988.

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In this episode of Major Convos, we sit down with Farid, the Director of Business Development for an Electrical Training Organisation in British Columbia, Canada. We flew Farid over to Australia to share his expertise and insights from their Mentorship Matters Program to pilot our own here at Major Training. The boys discuss the importance of finding opportunities to add value in training systems and dive deep into the synergies between the Canadian and Australian markets, uncovering shared challenges such as skilled labor shortages and the crucial role supervisors play in guiding apprentices to completion. Mentorship is at the heart of apprentice success, and Farid highlights how both countries can learn from each other to improve their support systems.

We also explore the future of the electrical industry and how Australian apprentices may have an advantage by earning while they learn. Plus, we swap notes on how trade schools operate differently across the globe. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation packed with practical insights for the next generation of tradespeople!

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Our very own Client Experience superstar, Emily France, has packed her bags and is ready to take flight next week. Em won a spin on the coveted prize wheel at the launch party in January and won herself and her partner an all inclusive trip to Thailand on the boss! Enough room in the suitcase for any of us, Em?

Curious about how Em scored that trip? Listen to the full episode to find out!

In this episode, we sit down with Jed Newnham, the Managing Director of leading Queensland scaffolding company, Newnham Scaffolding, to delve into the world of scaffolding and business management. With a thriving company of 75 team members, Jed shares his journey and the strategies that have led to his success. Learn about the mentoring program they have implemented with the onboarding of Brad Donald. Hear about the journey of 24 trainees, from undertaking training with us at Major, to securing leadership roles, and how the company's traineeship program has paved the way for strong career paths. "If you don’t learn to communicate with the next generation, you’ll make yourself redundant." Jed talks about the importance of bringing young workers into laborious roles and how to effectively communicate and negotiate pay with them. The boys also delve into the ‘5 love languages’ and expose the importance of learning your teams love language.

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