PP Bill Hewett introduced the presentations by noting that RCWE is again joining with SWTAFE to recognise the hard work and dedication of first year apprentices.
He commented that on 15 November with Wendy Mitcham and Paul Atack he spent the afternoon interviewing the seven top first year apprentices nominated by the South West TAFE teaching staff.
Bill added that tonight, we are joined by Shannyn Martin, South West TAFE’s Executive Manager of Corporate Services who is new to us, so we had better be on our best behaviour, and Emily Cowell from the Marketing Team at South West TAFE who along with Wendy did all the organising for tonight.
Second Runner-up was Lestarianta Limbong ($700), better known as Gonzales, who commenced his apprenticeship at Vestas Australia Wind Technology after working with them for some time as a Trade Assistant. At South West TAFE he is studying the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade. His teacher nominated him because it is clear that his employer Vestas and other staff at South West TAFE have all recognised his passion towards the trade.
Lestarianta has expertise regarding renewable energy, and in particular the use of wind turbines to produce electricity. He is highly motivated and is often involved in discussing the advantages of renewable energy.
First Runner-up was Courtney Lake ($700), who is doing her apprenticeship through Westvic Staffing Solutions and is gaining useful experience across a number of organisations. At South West TAFE she is studying the Certificate III in Horticulture. Courtney was nominated for this First Year Apprentice Award by her teacher because her work is consistently of high quality, she shows a passion for plants and the environment, and she is very keen to learn and improve her skills and knowledge. She is also highly regarded by her fellow students and has helped create a positive learning environment for all involved.
Winner was Alexander MacKenzie ($1200), who commenced his apprenticeship with James Taylor Building based in Port Fairy in 2021 and he is studying the Certificate III in Carpentry at South West TAFE. Alex was nominated for this First Year Apprentice Award by his teacher because he is a passionate Carpentry apprentice and is developing into a very skilled tradesman. He loves tools and knows how to use them well and is a great student who is totally committed to being the best he can be.Bill commented that interviewing the apprentices was not too hard as they used some of the great technology available now at South West TAFE and each of the apprentices beamed in from their workplace onto a big screen to meet them. So, the interviews were easy but selecting the winners was a bit more difficult. They were all winners. He then asked each to come forward to receive a certificate as well as a cash contribution from Rotary to help in their further education.
He also advised that the other four finalists were each awarded $100:
Christopher Thorne – Cabinet Making with South West Kitchens
William Darwin – Plumbing with Callahan Plumbing.
Mitchell Strain – Electrotechnology with Ploenges Electrical
Joaquin Wood – Engineering _ Fabrication Trade with Ultra Engineering
On behalf of all awardees, Alexander thanked Rotary for supporting apprentices by making the awards available each year.