Meet the Team

Jay Taputoro

Managing Director / CEO

My name is Jay Taputoro. I was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised in Port Hedland, WA and various outback towns across Australia. Over the years I have had the opportunity to work in several fields including Job Active, Community Services, Juvenile Justice and Indigenous Support Services. There is nothing more I love to do then to support and help others break their barriers so they can achieve their personal best.

It’s not about how many times we fall, but how many times we get back up again.

Samara Wingo

Indigenous Engagement Officer

My name is Samara Wingo. I am a Yamatji woman born in Carnarvon Western Australia.

I’ve had work experience in a few areas, including being a Lifeguard to Deckhand and working for the people from the Ngaanyatjarra lands, where I’ve held a position as an Administrative Assistant for 3 years. I felt a connection working for an Aboriginal organization being an Indigenous woman myself, having grown up on a small community called Yandeyarra which is in the northwest, 142kms of Port Hedland.

I strive to be a better version of me every day, not just for myself but as a mother to a beautiful young lady. Setting the example for my child and for my community, it will be in my best interest to encourage those around me to never have self-doubt and to never believe in those who never believe in you.

I’ve joined NEO Skills and Training to see more of my people and others from all walks of life to be strong independent and successful.

Michael Andriotis

Program Support Coordinator

Greetings! I’m Michael, and I’ve called Perth my home since the day I was born. With a blend of Australian roots and a rich Greek heritage, you could say I’m a bit of a ‘Zorba Dundee’ – a mix of cultures that adds unique flavor to my story.

Over the past 13 years, I’ve been deeply engaged in the realm of youth support, embracing a variety of roles. Guiding troubled youths through their journeys, filled with personal challenges, has been a significant part of my life’s work. My unyielding passion revolves around not only helping these young souls survive but watching them truly thrive.

Beyond my role in the youth sector, I also operate a successful business as a Holistic Lifestyle Exercise Coach. This multifaceted role enables me to extend my skills towards aiding young individuals with personal training and valuable health education.

Joining the NEO Skills and Training team is a decision rooted in belief. I see the potential in this program to harness all my accumulated experience to help young people flourish holistically. I aim to empower them to confront any challenge that comes their way with confidence and resilience.

Marius Timis

Employment Specialist

Marius brings a wealth of diverse experience to the NEO Skills and Training team. With a background spanning across various industries such as labour hire, telecommunications, mining, and hospitality, Marius’s journey is a tapestry of invaluable knowledge.

Motivated by a sincere desire to give back to the community, Marius joined our team. His unwavering commitment to fostering growth and development in others reflects his strong passion for making a positive impact on people’s lives. Through his extensive expertise and genuine dedication, Marius strives to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.

A message from our founder

Neo Skills and Training are excited to announce the launch of The You Program, an employment program dedicated to indigenous job seekers. The You Program aims to help break individual barriers to employment through a unique program model that involves and revolves around the individual job seeker. During the 7-week program, participants have direct access to indigenous industry mentors with relatable-life experience, quality physical, emotional and cultural support. Key elements of the program include addressing daily barriers that make it hard for job seekers to invest 100% towards employment opportunities. This includes help with physical health (gym and personal training), public transport costs, hair and beauty, mental health and drug and alcohol counselling to name a few. The You Program is an initiative of Neo Skills and Training (part of the Neo Concrete Group).

I believe in people and the ability to overcome the odds. My passion for change and helping others comes from being in their shoes once myself. I was once a job seeker, stuck in a rut and going nowhere. Living on the streets, getting into trouble with the law, experimenting with drugs and alcohol. I’d seen and done it all. Fast forward to today and I have managed to turn my life around to run a successful business and enjoy a lifestyle that is rewarding me for staying in the fight and believing in myself. The You Program not only has my fingerprints all over it but my heart and soul