Meet our ATC Team members

Tony Scarinci

Introduction and Background:

Hi, I’m the WH&S Advisor for Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre and cover South Australia, WA, and the NT. I’ve been with Ai Group ATC for nearly four years now, but my career began much earlier as a high school teacher. I eventually transitioned into adult education, starting with the federal ‘Skillshare’ program as an employment and skills facilitator, and later moved into management roles. For the last 16 years, I’ve focused on Group Training Organisations (GTOs), where I’ve been able to combine my passion for education and workplace safety.

Job Role and Responsibilities:

In my role, I always ask myself, “Would I have my own child work in this workplace?” This question is my guiding principle when assessing companies as potential hosts for our apprentices. As the “gatekeeper,” I ensure that our host companies not only meet safety standards but also promote a culture where everyone is respected and safe. I’m deeply committed to educating our apprentices and trainees on safety protocols, encouraging them to observe, learn, and actively contribute to a safer, more efficient workplace.

A big part of my job involves influencing the behaviours of young workers, reminding them that everyone deserves to be safe and respected at work. I take a holistic approach, urging them to “look after their mates” and support their fellow workers. With my qualifications in workplace health and safety, along with mental health first aid, I focus on educating apprentices about safety, guiding employers to create safe work environments, and helping workers return to work and learn from any incidents.

Team and Culture:

Our WHS teams work often involves addressing the real dangers that apprentices face, especially when they’re learning new skills in new environments. It’s crucial to highlight these dangers and prepare them for the realities of the workplace, even if it means dealing with some tough and sometimes traumatic situations. Therefore our team is close to ensure we support each other through tough situations, but is a really positive environment where we share stories to learn and create better solutions.

Goals and Aspirations:

My goal is to build strong, trusting relationships with our host employers, offering them tips, advice, and resources to ensure they’re providing the safest and most compliant environments for training apprentices and trainees. I’m passionate about working with young people entering the workforce, understanding their challenges, and making sure they’re mentally and physically prepared to succeed in their programs. I’m committed to helping companies develop better workplace cultures and systems, and I always remind apprentices that one of the biggest risks in life and work is complacency. “If you drop your guard, you can be in serious trouble.”

Fun and Personal:

Outside of work, I’m a busy husband, father, and soccer coach. I like to think of myself as channelling my inner Ange Postecoglou when I’m coaching my son’s soccer team. (Many say I even look a bit like him!) I’m also a big sports fan—I follow the Adelaide Crows and love watching my son play cricket, tennis, and basketball. I have a passion for coffee, pizza, and cooking, and I enjoy entertaining friends and family. I’ve travelled to Italy to visit family, and I’m already planning a trip to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Career Advice and Insights:

When it comes to career advice, I’m all about getting apprentices involved in creating safer workplace cultures. I always tell them, “Don’t be afraid of your supervisors or more experienced workers. If you see something dangerous, stop and speak up. Never feel pressured to perform a task if you think it’s unsafe.” I’m proud to be part of Ai Group ATC’s safety team, and I’m committed to making a positive impact on workplaces across Australia.

My goal is to continue improving safety and health in apprenticeships and traineeships, making sure everyone can work in an environment where they feel safe and supported.

Tony is an Integral part of our ATC Work Health and Safety team. Over recent years he has also travelled across all states of Australia meeting with our hosts, apprentices and trainees, so you may’ve met with him. Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself Tony, and thank you for all you do to ensure our clients are learning about safety everyday!