Australian Training Works Group (ATW) is owned by First Nations brothers Tony and Ashley Martens, who founded the company in 2016. Through their combined experience, Tony and Ashley identified a need to address the challenge of transitioning from school to meaningful employment or further education, with a particular focus on Indigenous Australian youth.
The vision to increase access to sustainable employment and provide tangible job outcomes, was the catalyst to establishing ATW’s Group Training Organisation. ATW has since expanded to a full range employment services company focusing on providing tailored outcomes for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through employment.
The ATW vision is supported by our dedicated team who strive to provide employers and jobseekers with a holistic and genuine service.
Tony is a proud Gunggandji (Yarrabah-Cairns) man with strong cultural connections throughout Cape York and Torres Strait Island communities.
Tony has previously worked across the Queensland and Australian Governments for a combined total of 21 years. He has worked at an Executive Management level in both tiers of government where he has managed large organisational teams and has led effective workforce strategies through major periods of change. During this time Tony has mentored and supported staff, managed regional offices and held responsibility for programme expenditure within financial management guidelines.Â
He has managed former Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) contracts and in doing so, has worked closely with CDEP, Job Active (JA’s) and Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) providers. This provides Tony with an extensive knowledge of the industry. Tony works closely on the ground with remote communities and engages with schools and industry whilst delivering ATW’s Australian Indigenous Destinations Program.Â
Tony holds a Bachelor of Education from James Cook University, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE) and a Cert IV in Small Business Management. Tony also possesses a trade qualification as an Auto Electrician and has taught adult education programs in the TAFE and Correctional Services sectors. Through Tony’s experience he has a comprehensive understanding of apprenticeship and traineeship frameworks and is most familiar with the Vocational Education sector.
Ashley is a proud Gunggandji (Yarrabah-Cairns) man with strong cultural connections throughout Cape York and Torres Strait Island communities.
Ashley has assisted many Indigenous groups throughout Australia to acquire and develop pastoral and commercial properties that now deliver significant cultural, economic, social and environmental benefits to their communities.
Ashley has extensive experience working within the Australian Government at Senior Executive levels for over 20 years. Â
His roles at Senior Executive Management levels enabled him to successfully manage large organisational teams, programs and projects. During this time Ashley has mentored staff and managed multi discipline consulting design teams. Ashley has assisted many Indigenous groups throughout Australia to acquire and develop pastoral and commercial properties that now deliver significant cultural, economic, social and environmental benefits to their communities.
Ashley is a registered teacher and holds a Bachelor of Education from the Queensland University of Technology (Secondary Human Movement and Geography). He has taught in the UK and has extensive project management experience focusing on developing Indigenous Employment Participation in the construction sector.
Australian Training Works Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to Traditional Owners and their cultures, to the Elders past and present, and emerging leaders.
