1300apprentice Awards

The 2011 1300apprentice awards has seen an enthusiastic response from everyone involved. The opportunity to acknowledge the progress and achievements of our young apprentices and trainees has been very well received.

We would also like to thank our four fabulous judges, Sue-Anne Brady, Gary Guy, Jonny Morosin and Kristie O’Brien who gave up hours of their valuable time to come up with the final decision.

Overall Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Of The Year Metals Industry

Todd Philp

Todd Philp commenced a Sheetmetal apprenticeship in 2007 with HRC Alliance and earlier this year completed his apprenticeship with the same company. Over this four year period, Todd has excelled in his trade and taken on further study in drafting in his own time to further his career. Whilst still a 3rd year apprentice with HRC Alliance, Todd was promoted to a junior draftsman position which meant moving off the workshop floor and into the office which has allowed him to further develop new skills. Todd has demonstrated through hard work and a willingness to continuously improve that an exciting future is possible.

His other achievements include:

• 2010 1300apprentice Awards – 3rd Year Encouragement Highly Commended; and
• 2009 Sheetmetal Industry Association Apprentice Awards – TAFE Encouragement Award

Todd’s host employer says, “Todd has become an integral part of HRC Alliance’s Project Management team. Todd’s ability and application to his work is commendable, providing outstanding drafting services to internal and external stakeholders”.

Overall Trainee of the Year And Trainee Of The Year Business

Olivia Symington

Olivia Symington completed her Certificate III Business traineeship in June 2011 with the Australian Newsagents’ Federation Ltd (ANF), based in St Leonards. Business traineeships are twelve months in duration and this was Olivia’s first entry into a business environment. Olivia’s eagerness to learn over the last twelve months has set her up for successful completion of her traineeship, a permanent position at the ANF and a further desire to continue her studies with the completion of a Newsagency Specific Certificate IV in Retail Management and successful completion of conflict resolution training.

The ANF is the peak industry body representing Australian newsagencies. There are 5000 individually owned and operated newsagencies in the country. Olivia’s host employer says “Olivia has shown the kind of initiative that is necessary to be successful in the future. She is a conscientious worker and has an excellent work ethic.”

Apprentice of the Year Building & Construction

Jesse Mauger

Jesse Mauger commenced his Carpentry apprenticeship with Quality Country Homes in 2007 and since completing his apprenticeship now sub-contracts to his host employer. Over the four years of his apprenticeship, Jesse has excelled at his trade and now wants to continue his study to become a building engineer. Further to this, he is a blue belt Judo teacher.

Jesse’s host employer says “Jesse was more than happy to take on board my advice over the years…he has a great attitude and is trustworthy.”

Apprentice of the Year Electrical

Quade Nichols

Quade Nichols is currently in the 4th year of his Electrical apprenticeship with Downer EDI Rail. During his time with Downer EDI Rail he has been involved in some of the company’s major projects which have enabled him to learn many facets of his trade including time management and planning skills. Once he has completed his apprenticeship, Quade intends to undertake a Certificate IV in Electrotechnology.

Quade’s host employer says “Quade’s willingness to learn and great work ethic have made him an integral part of the maintenance team.”

3rd Year Apprentice High Achiever Award Metals Industry and Overall 3rd Year Apprentice High Achiever

Namatjira Skuthorpe

Namatjira Skuthorpe began his Fitting/Machining apprenticeship in 2009 as a mature age apprentice hosted with Breseight Engineering. He left a previous role working as a Sales Technical Support Officer because he saw the Engineering trade as an area where he could further develop his career. Since becoming an apprentice, Namatjira has excelled and has taken on further study outside of work hours (Diploma in Mechanical Engineering) which is supported by his host employer and has also completed training in Computer Aided Drafting Computer Aided Machining.

Namatjira’s host employer says “Namatjira is a dedicated young man who is destined to be successful in this industry.”

3rd Year Apprentice High Achiever Horticulture

Adam Cooper

Adam Cooper commenced his Parks & Gardens apprenticeship in 2009 as a mature age apprentice with Holroyd City Council. During his apprenticeship, not only has he dedicated himself to his trade but also taken on any extra training that the Council has offered. Adam also takes pride with the fact that he maintains one of the ovals which are listed in the top ten of the state as well as undertake bush regeneration projects. Once he has completed this qualification he would like to complete a Greenkeeping Certificate and a Diploma in Environmental Studies.

Adam’s host employer says “Adam is a highly valuable asset to our team… and the perfect role model to our other apprentices at Holroyd.”

3rd Year Apprentice High Achiever Building & Construction

Andrew Mcmillan

Andrew McMillan commenced his Cabinetmaking (Furniture) apprenticeship in 2009 with host employer Farquhars Pty Ltd based in Bowral.

During his apprenticeship Andrew has gained some valuable workplace skills and is also happy to donate his time to special projects that help the community such as building and painting the local theatre production sets. He is passionate about his craft and has even restored an oak desk that was 100 years old. Andrew has been nominated for the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia as Apprentice of the Year due to his exemplary work in the field.

Andrew’s host employer says “I have been training apprentices for over 25 years and Andy is by far one of the best I have ever had. I would love for Andy to sub-contract to me when he completes his apprenticeship.”

3rd Year Apprentice High Achiever Other

David Baker

David Baker commenced his Instrumentation and Controls apprenticeship in 2009 with Johnson Controls at North Ryde. During his time as an apprentice he has gained many skills, including an understanding of building automation control systems and network communication. David is keen to continue to develop his skills and has also been awarded the Johnson Controls Above and Beyond Award in November 2010.

David’s host employer says “David has shown a high level of interest, skill and logical thinking which has greatly increased in his third year. He has shown great team ethic which we encourage and require to make our systems work.”

2nd Year Apprentice High Achiever Award Metals Industry and Overall 2nd Year Apprentice High Achiever

Justin Spears

Justin Spears commenced a Boilermaking apprenticeship in 2010 with host employer, Dunsteel Engineering Pty Ltd.

Justin is already excelling at his trade winning the Best Overall Performance – Stage 1 Metal Fabrication at Campbelltown TAFE in his first year. Justin’s passion for fabrication also extends outside of the workplace with his love of building and fabricating parts for his off-road vehicles. Once he has completed his apprenticeship he would like to continue further study such as a pressure vessel ticket and post trade skill development.

Justin’s host employer says “Justin has a great work ethic and great workmanship…we’re impressed with his commitment.”

2nd Year Apprentice High Achiever Building & Construction

George Lloyd

George Lloyd commenced a Glass & Glazing apprenticeship in 2010 as a mature age apprentice with host employer, Dowell Windows.

Although, George has previously worked in the industry he wanted to complete an apprenticeship in order to achieve a formal qualification. George speaks highly about the benefits of completing an apprenticeship and the path it has taken him on. He recently won the ACT Regional Building and Construction Industry Training Council for Outstanding Apprentice 2011 – Glass & Glazing.

George’s host employer says “George takes pride in what he does and is quality focused.”

Trainee of the Year Other

Joshua Michael

Joshua Michael commenced a Logistics Operations traineeship in 2010 which he has now completed and has now been employed directly by his host employer, RPM Freight & Logistics.

Joshua has excelled in his traineeship taking on a higher qualification than was originally arranged and did this willingly to become a valued team member of RPM. He loves the industry and its fast pace and has also gained a forklift license. Joshua’s host employer says “We’re very proud of Joshua’s efforts, he is part of the family.”

School-Based Trainee of the Year

Aloma Simpson-Lyons

Aloma Simpson-Lyons commenced her School-Based traineeship in 2009 with the ANZ Bank in Narrandera and will graduate with a Business Services Certificate II qualification. From the moment she commenced her traineeship, Aloma was keen to learn everything there is to know about the banking world and it only took her six months to get to know all her customers by their first name. No small feat when she only works one day a week at the bank during school terms.

As a result of her experience she has plans to continue her study once she completes her HSC by attending university to study law.

Aloma’s host employer says “Aloma has a wonderful personality and a willingness to learn new skills – she will be sadly missed when she completes her School-Based traineeship.”

Highly Commended

Kane McParland – 3rd Year High Achiever category

Kane is completing a Certificate III Engineering – Mechanical Trade with Breseight Engineering.

Aaron Tuddenham – 2nd Year High Achiever category

Aaron is completing a Certifcate III Engineering – Mechanical Trade with NCI Holdings trading as NCI Packaging.

Kieren Crook – 2nd Year High Achiever category

Kieren is completing a Certificate III Engineering – Fabrication Trade with Piling Contractors.

The Judges

Our judges met on 26 September 2011 in the offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers and together worked through what they believe it takes to be considered for the highest recognition within our organisation. Our judging panel were selected for their experience in different industries and with their work involving young people. They all agreed that the talented apprentices and trainees that were nominated made the final decisions extremely difficult.

Here are a few details on our wonderful judges:

Sue-Anne Brady is the Sydney Manager of the ABL Apprenticeship Centre since 2005 after starting with them in 2001 as a field consultant. She now manages a team of 45 field and support staff. Sue-Anne herself completed a traineeship in Human Resources with the Shoalhaven City Council and when this was completed, she commenced working in the Job Network system to assist unemployed people into work. Not only does Sue-Anne have a vast knowledge of working with apprentices and trainees, she has successfully been through the system herself. Her initial career commenced as a primary school teacher.

Gary Guy is the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority, where he is also a non voting member of the Authority. Garyhas held this position for the past eight years. Gary started his career just like all of our apprentices by completing an apprenticeship in plumbing. Garyworked for the Commonwealth Government as a qualified plumber before becoming an apprentice inspector at the ACT Apprenticeship Board. After several years working for the ACT and Commonwealth Governments, Garywas appointed Executive Director of the Construction Industry Training and Employment Association (Group Training Organisation).

Kristie O’Brien is a Business Consultant for TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute. For the last two years, Kristie has been the consultant for the Engineering, Manufacturing and Environmental Sciences Faculty and has also worked as a consultant in the Business and Finance Faculty. Kristie started her career in TAFE in 2003 as a part-time teacher in Communications in the Carpentry & Joinery trade area. Prior to this, she held positions in office administration, management and human resources, before completing a degree in Communications. Kristie has a broad knowledge of a variety of vocational areas and has worked closely with apprentices and trainees in her role as a teacher and a business consultant, witnessing first-hand the pathways to ongoing success and achievement that apprenticeships and traineeships can and do provide.

Jonny Morosin is the Operations Manager for Downer EDI Rail. Jonny has held this position for the last four years and has worked in the rail industry for the last 30 years in various roles. He commenced his career as an apprentice fitter machinist and on completion of his apprenticeship undertook further study in supervision and management which facilitated his progression to the position he now holds. During his career he has operated across many trades including mechanical, electrical and welding in a supervisory capacity as well as advisory roles ensuring career growth and development for employees to progress successfully post their apprenticeships.

We would also like to extend a thank you to PricewaterhouseCoopers who kindly allowed us the use of their offices to work in during the day. This and the endless supply of coffee and tea made the day very pleasant.