Nationally recognised leader in apprenticeships and traineeships Michael Bennett has been appointed to the Australian Travel Careers Council (ATCC) Industry Advisory Board.
Bennett currently serves as project manager at VERTO, a not-for-profit organisation offering employment, training and community services.
He brings a deep regional insight to the role as former chair of Group Training Australia (now the National Apprentice Employment Network) and the Group Training Association of NSW & ACT. Bennett’s career has seen him spend more than two decades shaping workforce development across regional Australia – an experience he said gives him a fresh perspective.
“Regional career seekers bring a unique perspective compared to their metro counterparts. It’s a privilege to support Rick and the ATCC team in their vital work encouraging people to pursue travel industry pathways,” Bennett said.
The announcement comes as ATCC marks a dramatic resurgence in industry traineeships, according to data from Training Services NSW.
Data revealed that enrolments had increased from just seven in September 2025, when the sector faced the threat of collapse, to 143 active trainees today.
ATCC CEO Rick Myatt welcomed the appointment, highlighting its alignment with the Council’s commitment to strengthening travel career pathways in regional and rural communities.
