Directions Workforce Solutions
Directions Workforce Solutions
Celebrating 37+ Years of Supporting Western Australian Communities.
Directions Workforce Solutions (Directions) began life in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt in 1988 (initially as the Central Area Regional Training Scheme). Over three decades it has grown into a statewide, self‑funded Group Training Organisation and registered charity, focusing on apprenticeships, traineeships, labour hire and workforce development with an emphasis on inclusion (especially Indigenous and disadvantaged jobseekers).
The organisation is funded primarily through its training and recruitment services, with any surplus reinvested into community programs. Directions received its formal ACNC charity registration in 2012. Directions remains active today, governed by a volunteer board and working with schools, employers and government across WA to build local skills and pathways. As of 2026, it also provides Labour Hire services.
The organisation was formed in 1989, with David Antonio as inaugural chair, and later changing its name to Directions. Under this early leadership (Mr Antonio chaired until 2004), the GTO expanded apprenticeships across the region, overseeing over 150 apprentices by 2004. In 2000, Directions was recognised as an incorporated entity in Western Australia, paving the way for growth beyond the Wheatbelt.
Early on, the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Model became central – Directions would employ apprentices and trainees directly, place them with employers. By the mid 2000s, the charity had diversified its services, reflecting its expanding divisions in registered training and group training. These moves signaled a shift from its Wheatbelt origins to a broader presence, becoming one of WA’s longest running not-for-profit GTOs.
Celebrating 37+ Years of Supporting Western Australian Communities.
Directions Workforce Solutions (Directions) began life in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt in 1988 (initially as the Central Area Regional Training Scheme). Over three decades it has grown into a statewide, self‑funded Group Training Organisation and registered charity, focusing on apprenticeships, traineeships, labour hire and workforce development with an emphasis on inclusion (especially Indigenous and disadvantaged jobseekers).
The organisation is funded primarily through its training and recruitment services, with any surplus reinvested into community programs. Directions received its formal ACNC charity registration in 2012. Directions remains active today, governed by a volunteer board and working with schools, employers and government across WA to build local skills and pathways. As of 2026, it also provides Labour Hire services.
The organisation was formed in 1989, with David Antonio as inaugural chair, and later changing its name to Directions. Under this early leadership (Mr Antonio chaired until 2004), the GTO expanded apprenticeships across the region, overseeing over 150 apprentices by 2004. In 2000, Directions was recognised as an incorporated entity in Western Australia, paving the way for growth beyond the Wheatbelt.
Early on, the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Model became central – Directions would employ apprentices and trainees directly, place them with employers. By the mid 2000s, the charity had diversified its services, reflecting its expanding divisions in registered training and group training. These moves signaled a shift from its Wheatbelt origins to a broader presence, becoming one of WA’s longest running not-for-profit GTOs.
Directions Workforce Solutions has built an impressive record of success, with its people and apprentices contributing to more than 20+ regional, state, industry and national award wins. That recognition reflects the organisation’s strong commitment to quality, support, and outcomes across Western Australia.
BAE Systems Aerospace Apprentice of the Year (National).
Western Australia Training Awards Apprentice of the Year.
Female Apprentice Employment Network WA Apprentice of the Year.
Apprentice Employment Network WA Host Company of the Year.
BAE Systems Trades Apprentice of the Year (National).
Master Builders Association (WA) Apprentice Safety Award.
Swan Business Excellence Awards Apprentice of the Year.
WorldSkills VETiS (Carpentry) — National Silver Medal.
WorldSkills (Carpentry) — Regional Gold Medal.
WorldSkills (Carpentry) — Regional Bronze Medal.
Trainee of the Year (Northam SHS).
WorldSkills (Tiling) — Regional Gold Medal.
AENWA/Karrinyup Rotary Special Recognition Award.
Directions Workforce Solutions has built an impressive record of success, with its people and apprentices contributing to more than 20+ regional, state, industry and national award wins. That recognition reflects the organisation’s strong commitment to quality, support, and outcomes across Western Australia.
BAE Systems Aerospace Apprentice of the Year (National).
Western Australia Training Awards Apprentice of the Year.
Female Apprentice Employment Network WA Apprentice of the Year.
Apprentice Employment Network WA Host Company of the Year.
BAE Systems Trades Apprentice of the Year (National).
Master Builders Association (WA) Apprentice Safety Award.
Swan Business Excellence Awards Apprentice of the Year.
WorldSkills VETiS (Carpentry) — National Silver Medal.
WorldSkills (Carpentry) — Regional Gold Medal.
WorldSkills (Carpentry) — Regional Bronze Medal.
Trainee of the Year (Northam SHS).
WorldSkills (Tiling) — Regional Gold Medal.
AENWA/Karrinyup Rotary Special Recognition Award.
Building a legacy takes time, consistency and a willingness to keep showing up for people and communities over decades. Directions Workforce Solutions has done exactly that. We’ve have grown into one of Western Australia’s longest-running Group Training Organisations, supporting apprentices, trainees, employers and local communities through changing industries, economic cycles and workforce challenges.
That long history matters because it means Directions has seen the full picture, including the highs and lows of business, the barriers people face entering work, and the value of matching the right people to the right opportunities. Today, Directions continues to build on that legacy as a registered charity and GTO, providing labour hire, training, mentoring, compliance and workforce solutions, while reinvesting its surplus back into community benefit.
If you’d like to have a chat and build something that will last, speak to us today!
Building a legacy takes time, consistency and a willingness to keep showing up for people and communities over decades. Directions Workforce Solutions has done exactly that.
If you’d like to have a chat and build something that will last, speak to us today!