Apprentice electrician Nicholas Mclennan has been named the Overall Apprentice of the Year across all trades at the Hunter Region Apprentice and Traineeship of the Year Awards (HRATA).

The HRATA, of which Hunter TAFE is a proud sponsor, provides advice to government through the Department of Industry; Training Services NSW, on vocational education and training issues. They also promote vocational education and training throughout the Hunter Region.

When Nicholas finished his HSC he wanted a hands-on career. He pursued an apprenticeship in electrotechnology with AGL Macquarie, one of the largest employers of apprentices in the Hunter Region.

Nicholas originally started his career in Digital Media, achieving both the Certificate IV in Interactive Digital Media and the Diploma from Hunter TAFE.

Since starting the apprenticeship Nicholas has also achieved his Certificate IV in Industrial Electronics and Control, his Certificate IV in Electrical Instrumentation and his Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Hunter TAFE. 

The overall winners from HRATA will go on to compete at the NSW Training Awards in September, which celebrate the achievements of the best in vocational training in NSW.Nicholas hopes to achieve a scholarship to complete a degree in electrical engineering.