Welcome to CCGT’s first Host Employer Spotlight. Each month we’ll be featuring one of the local businesses we partner with. We support a diverse range of industries here on the Central Coast, but they all have one thing in common. A commitment to providing a supportive, hands-on learning environment for our apprentices and trainees.
Building opportunities on the Central Coast
As a Central Coast youngster wanting to get into the IT industry, Robert O’Donoghue didn’t feel like there were many opportunities for him to follow that path in the region. Instead, he had to move to Sydney to study and start his career.
Now, as Managing Director of CCTS, a Central Coast “one-stop shop” for technology solutions, Robert is determined to change that for the next generation.
“I wanted to be part of the change.”
Robert O’Donoghue, Managing Director, CCTS
“I wanted to create opportunities for people wanting to enter the industry, without them having to relocate or commute to Sydney,” explains Robert.
“I remember how difficult it was trying to find work when I was starting out. I’m really passionate about giving someone that first opportunity.”
Shared values, shared focus
It’s not just the catchy acronyms in common between CCGT and CCTS. Both our businesses are committed to providing the best outcomes for our clients.
“The idea behind everything we offer is to become a genuine one-stop shop,” says Robert when explaining CCTS’s offering. “Clients can trust us to manage as much of their technology as possible, giving them one point of contact, one bill, and a consistent experience. Ultimately, we take the burden of technology off their shoulders so they can focus on running their business.”
That same philosophy of focusing on what you do best is exactly why Robert chose to partner with CCGT.
“CCGT does all the heavy lifting. I don’t have to worry about organising the apprenticeship, dealing with the college, government requirements or all the administration that comes with it.
Could I do it myself? Probably. Would I save a little money? Maybe. But my time is valuable, and CCGT are the experts,” says Robert.
“Then there’s the ongoing support. CCGT regularly checks in with both us and the apprentice, which I’ve seen is something that doesn’t always happen elsewhere.
They also provide additional programs around workplace safety, wellbeing and personal development that we couldn’t realistically offer ourselves.
I’d much rather focus on what we’re good at and let CCGT focus on what they’re experts at. It’s exactly the same reason businesses use us for technology services.”
More than technical skills
For Robert and CCTS, taking an apprentice or trainee on board comes with benefits that go well beyond technical training.
“They bring fresh ideas and a different perspective,” says Robert. “Younger people today approach things differently to how my generation did, and that’s valuable.”
CCGT apprentice Isaac with Robert O’Donoghue, Managing Director of CCTS.
CCTS has hosted several CCGT apprentices and trainees throughout our partnership, with apprentice Isaac being their most recent addition.
Isaac, who is studying for his Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology, has become an integral part of CCTS’s workplace culture. Throughout this placement, Robert says witnessing Isaac’s development has been incredibly rewarding.
“Sometimes apprentices take a while to find their feet, but Isaac started doing things in his second week that I’ve seen experienced people struggle with after a year. We’re incredibly happy with him.
Watching Isaac become more confident, joking around with the team and even giving me a bit of cheek back is fantastic. It shows he’s comfortable, enjoying work and feels like part of the team.
Work is hard enough as it is. If you can enjoy yourself while you’re there, that’s a big win.”
Mentoring the next generation
Throughout our chat, it’s clear that Robert is passionate about developing the next generation of skilled workers and providing opportunities for growth within his team.
When you host apprentices and trainees, you also create opportunities for existing team members to step into mentoring roles, share their knowledge and build leadership skills.
“When I was younger, a lot of people held onto information because they thought sharing knowledge might put their own jobs at risk. That never sat well with me,” says Robert.
“I’ve always believed the opposite. If I know something, I should teach it to someone else, and then I should keep growing myself.
That’s the culture we’ve built here. Knowledge should be shared.”
Why CCGT makes the difference
“You need to look at the value you’re getting.”
Robert O’Donoghue, Managing Director, CCTS
For Robert, the value of partnering with CCGT goes beyond convenience. It’s about having the right support behind both the business and the apprentice from day one.
“For me, it’s a no-brainer. A lot of businesses focus purely on cost, but I think that’s the wrong way to look at it,” he explains.
“Sure, you could manage apprenticeships yourself, but CCGT knows the system inside and out. They navigate everything efficiently and remove a huge amount of work from your plate.
More importantly, they’re focused on supporting local people.
I love that they’re committed to finding opportunities for people on the Central Coast and helping local businesses.”
Investing in local futures
For Robert and CCTS, it’s about future-proofing our local community and giving young people a chance.
“Everyone wants experienced staff, but those experienced people all had to be given their first opportunity by someone. Why not give a young person that opportunity while having an experienced organisation like CCGT supporting both you and the apprentice?
In the long run, you build a loyal employee, your business benefits, and the community benefits too. I honestly don’t know why more businesses don’t do it.”
Written by Chanel Gellin, Marketing Coordinator & Business Support, CCGT.
Interested in partnering with CCGT? Whether you’re looking to host an apprentice or trainee for the first time, or want to learn more about our workforce solutions, our team is here to help.
📞 02 4353 2655
✉️ info@ccgt.com.au