Meet our 2017 GTA winners.

Emma Gibson- Trainee / Apprentice of the Year – Women in Non-Traditional Trade
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical.

Emma loves working in fitting and machining. She has enjoys the practical challenges of the fine detailed work combined with learning the theory behind her trade training at Hunter-V-Tec. Emma has been an ambassador for women in trades and is no stranger to winning awards including the 2017 HVTC Excellence Awards Woman in Non-traditional Trade Apprentice of the Year, 2016 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Apprentice of the Year and a Tradesperson Scholarship at the 2015 National Association of Women in Construction Awards. Emma has now completed her apprenticeship and continues to work as a fitter machinist.

Donald Dundas- Trainee / Apprentice of the Year – Indigenous
Certificate III in Plumbing

Donald is an apprentice plumber who has excelled in his trade. His ability to learn quickly has seen Donald complete his apprenticeship over three years and this year won the 2017 NSW Training Awards Apprentice of the Year – Indigenous award. Donald prides himself in providing quality work and being a leader in his community. He has worked with local youth in boxing and wants to inspire the young people around him to achieve and seek out similar opportunities that have been afforded to him. A natural leader, role model and proud family man we salute Donald on his high achievements to date.

Thomas Chapman- Trainee / Apprentice of the Year – Disability

Thomas has had a lot of obstacles to overcome in his life, however he has always had a passion for motor vehicles and decided from an early stage in school that he wanted to pursue a mechanical apprenticeship. Thomas finished Year 12 at school in 2016 and had already undertaken a VET course in Automotive that allowed him to start his apprenticeship with a sound understanding of the trade. Outside of work, Thomas continues his motor vehicle passion and has worked on and rebuilt several vehicles including his pride and joy a restored Mini that he uses for travel each day.  We are all very much looking forward to watching Thomas complete his full apprenticeship over the coming years.

Holly Bourke - Trainee / Apprentice of the Year – School Based
Certificate II in Business Services

Holly is completing her Business Services School Based Traineeship. Throughout her studies, Holly has consistently shown her drive and determination and is well on her way to a long and successful career in the banking and finance industry. Holly is an extremely dedicated young lady who is a role model for other students and is a great example of how opportunities like school based traineeship can really mould a young person's life. Holly is an excellent ambassador for not only GTES, the Commonwealth Bank, TAFE and Inverell High School, but is also a great advocate for the TVET program as a whole.

Congratulations to all our winning apprentices.