NextGen Skills and Skill Hire are set to merge to create what the companies claimed to be the state’s biggest apprenticeship, training and employment services body.
NextGen Skills and Skill Hire are set to merge to create what the companies claimed to be the state’s biggest apprenticeship, training and employment services body.
Both NextGen and Skill Hire are under IntoWork group, a national company providing employment, skills and education support.
The merger comes about 18 months after NextGen, formerly MPA Skills, joined IntoWork.
MPA Skills was under voluntary administration before IntoWork acquired the Maylands-based trade training business in June 2024.
The company was rebranded to NextGen in January 2025.
In its announcement, IntoWork said the NextGen and Skill Hire merger was based on shareholders’ feedback which included a ‘one stop shop’ for all the services.
Skill Hire chief executive Ben Dahlstrom said the merger would deliver improved efficiency while maintaining continuity of service.
“The integration combines more than 40 years of industry experience and expertise, with the same management team, trainers, and support staff remaining in place,” he said.
“This change is about reducing red tape and making processes simpler for tradespeople, employers, and apprentices across Western Australia.”
IntoWork said the integration was part of a broader strategy to strengthen its workforce solutions capability in WA.
“All existing apprentice placements and training programs will continue without disruption during the transition,” the company said in its statement.
“Employers and apprentices will continue to work with the same teams they already know and trust.
“The streamlined operations under the Skill Hire brand will focus on developing the skills needed by Western Australia's construction industry, with no changes to service delivery or support during the transition period.”
Skill Hire was acquired by the GO2 People in 2021, but the company fell into administration in 2023.
IntoWork’s proposal to buy GO2 group, which includes Skill Hire WA and Nara Skills & Training, was approved in mid-2023.
