Skillset, western NSW’s largest employer of apprentices and trainees, is proud to announce the appointment of Narelle Stocks as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With a proven track record of success and extensive experience in for-purpose organisations, Narelle brings strong leadership and strategic expertise to Skillset.
This appointment marks a significant milestone as Narelle becomes the first female CEO in Skillset’s 41-year history. This achievement aligns with Skillset’s ongoing commitment to gender diversity through initiatives like the Connecting Women to Trades program, which promotes female participation in trade industries.
A Leader with Regional Roots
Narelle’s career reflects a deep dedication to supporting regional communities and creating opportunities for young people. Her experience includes leadership roles at Headspace, a youth mental health foundation, and Veritas House, a youth homelessness service. Her proud Bathurst heritage reinforces her passion for making a positive impact in western NSW.
“Skillset has a longstanding commitment to making a positive impact in our region, and I am honored and excited to lead this incredible organisation,” said Narelle Stocks. “Skillset was established by local councils and business chambers more than 40 years ago to assist businesses in western NSW to attract and train their workforces. With the current skills shortage, this need remains relevant today, and I am looking forward to establishing innovative partnerships designed to support local people and businesses through education, career development and employment.”
A Vision for the Future
David Cooke, Skillset Chairman, shared his enthusiasm for Narelle’s appointment:
“We are delighted to welcome Narelle Stocks as our new CEO. Her demonstrated leadership and extensive experience make her the ideal candidate to lead our organisation into a promising future. We are confident that Skillset will continue to flourish under her guidance, creating a lasting impact in our community.”
About Skillset
With offices in Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee and Dubbo, Skillset provides a range of services that create life-changing opportunities for people and communities in regional NSW. These include:
- Recruitment services
- Apprenticeship and traineeship programs
- Career support and mentoring
- Alternative senior school education pathways through Skillset Senior College
Top tips for asking for help at work
You may also like
How to manage your nerves in a job interview
Let’s face it, job interviews can be nerve-racking. […]
Getting Career Ready for 2026
If you’re thinking about putting your job search […]
Skillset would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.We are honoured to be on the ancestral lands of those whose cultures are among the oldest living cultures in human history. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and to the younger generation of the community who will be the future leaders in years to come.