23 January 2019

Last year, apprentices across the Hunter region achieved great successes, winning significant awards that earned them valuable, career-boosting experiences within a bouyant apprenticeship market.

TAFE NSW locations across Newcastle and the Hunter saw great interest during 2018 in apprenticeships in industries including construction, early childhood, electrotechnology, and commercial cookery. This contributed to a state-wide increase of 3.5% in apprenticeship commencements compared to 2017, according to recent data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research*.

Last year’s local award-winning apprentices are employed across myriad industries – ranging from the in-demand construction industry to health services, automotive, aviation, and horticulture. They include:

1. Cameron Johns, TAFE NSW Newcastle – Best TAFE NSW Apprentice of the Year for the Newcastle region in the Excellence in Brick and Blocklaying Awards
2. Jordan Phillips, TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri – Graduate of the Year in the NSW Golf Course Superintendent Golf Industry Awards
3. Lucy Allen, TAFE NSW Newcastle – School-Based Apprentice of the Year (Health Services) in the NSW Training Awards
4. Mitchell Earl, TAFE NSW Belmont – Apprentice of the Year (Carpentry) in the Hunter Regional Training Awards
5. Toby Dorn, TAFE NSW Digital  – Apprentice of the Year (Aeroservices Mechanical) in the Hunter Regional Training Awards
6. Nelson Florimo, TAFE NSW Newcastle – Commercial Apprentice of the Year in the Master Builders Association Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards
7. Caleb Gordon, TAFE NSW Newcastle – Commercial Apprentice of the Year, Master Builders Association Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards
8. Matthew Brandt, TAFE NSW Glendale – Gold Medal, WorldSkills National Autobody Repair Competition
9. Jack Stuart, TAFE NSW Newcastle – TAFE NSW Industry Achievement Award (Agribusiness)
10. Isabelle Kranhold, TAFE NSW Glendale – TAFE NSW Apprentice of the Year (Automotive)

Acting TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Marie Larkings said, “I’m proud of the high-quality workmanship and dedication demonstrated by our local apprentices. It’s a testament to their commitment to their career and to the excellent support provided by TAFE NSW teachers and our state-of-the-art practical training facilities.”

“Our home-grown apprentices have a strong track record in winning awards like this, in being at the top of their game because of the real-world skills and work experience TAFE NSW provides. They have an equally strong track record at getting employed into a job they love and getting ahead.”

For more information on TAFE NSW courses visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Kristy Sheppard, TAFE NSW Media & Communications Business Partner, 4923 7784 or 0407 450 860.

* NCVER report: Apprentices and Trainees 2018: June quarter – New South Wales