We have all come across the GAME Traffic & Contracting’s “Big Green Diamond” logo on the road from time-to-time, but what many people don’t know, is that the company is recognised as one of Australia’s leading regionally-based social enterprises.

GAME – which started in 1993 – has its head office in Shepparton, with depots in Bendigo, Echuca Wangaratta and Wodonga. Since its early beginnings, the organisation has gone from strength-to-strength and now offers a range of contracting services in addition to traffic management, including: electrical spotting, grounds maintenance, equipment hire and temporary fencing.

In 2011, the passionate team at GAME decided it was time to take their business to the next level, funding the youth employment program created by parent company Worktrainers Ltd, with its operating surplus.

“Geared4Careers started in 2011 in Wangaratta, with just 32 participants and a passion to support our local youth,” explained Max Allen General Manager.

Fast forward to 2022 and the program is now embedded in 15 regional secondary schools, with 20 program officers supporting over 1,300 students.

“Being a social enterprise means that we are able to offer our customers access to quality, competitive services, while at the same time making it possible for them to be part of something much bigger,” continued Max.

The aim of Geared4Careers is to support local youth to remain in school, achieve their study goals and gain career and employment opportunities. Program Officer’s work with students to inspire, teach and support them through offering industry tours, resume building, mock interviewing, applying for jobs and opening up bank accounts. These activities may seem small to some, but have proven instrumental in the success of our participants securing placements with universities, apprenticeships and employers over the years.

“At GAME we are very proud of what is being achieved by Geared4Careers and believe that being a part of GROW Bendigo, will help us to continue to grow our workforce to continue to fulfil our customer requirements, which in turn ensures we are able to continue to have positive social impact on our regional youth.

To find out more about joining the GROW Bendigo revolution, please email Rob Herbert rherbert@bebendigo.com.