Loftus local TAFE NSW glass and glazing apprentice, Patrick Thomas, has topped the state in the Australian Glass and Window Association’s Apprentice of the Year award.

Patrick (picutred right) completed a Certificate III in Glass and Glazing at TAFE NSW Lidcombe last year and is employed at Greater Glass in Kirrawee.

The 21-year-old said it was an honour to be named Apprentice of the Year in the prestigious award.

“I was thrilled to be nominated for the award and when I was told the news that I had won out of all the apprentices across the state, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” Patrick said.

“I’m a big ambassador for the positive transformation TAFE NSW can have in people’s lives and careers, and am thankful for the hands-on skills I learnt in my course that has helped kick start my career.

Australian Glass and Window Association National Training and Safety Manager, Melissa Baker, said, “Apprentices play an integral role and make an enormous contribution to the businesses that employ them.”

"The Apprentice of the Year Awards aim to recognise the best apprentices at both state and national levels, and acknowledge, as an industry, that the professionalism and skill of our tradespeople is highly valued and honour their achievements,” Melissa said.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Michael Cullen, congratulated Patrick’s commitment to excellence in the industry.

“The exceptional result in this prestigious award is a reflection of the quality, hands-on training TAFE NSW provides students to help them reach their career ambitions and ensure we have a skilled and capable workforce of the future,” Mr Cullen said.  

“I have no doubt Patrick will go on to be a great ambassador for TAFE NSW and the glass and glazing industry.” 

To enrol in the Glass and Glazing course at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business partner, 0456 170 211.