Bordertown apprentice the best in SA

Sophie Orrock has added the 2024 7NEWS South Australian Young Achiever of the Year Skills SA Outstanding Apprentice Award to her recent accolades, announced as the category winner last Friday.

Already named the 2023 South Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year, the Bordertown based apprentice took out the Young Achiever honour at the May 17 gala presentation.

“I am incredibly honoured to have won the 7NEWS Skills SA Outstanding Apprentice of the Year award, and I wouldn’t have achieved this without the amazing support from so many wonderful people,” Sophie said. “A heartfelt thank you to the communities of Bordertown and Booleroo – your encouragement has been invaluable. Thank you to Booleroo Centre District School and Mrs. Gayle Bury for laying the educational groundwork that set me on this path. A huge thank you to my amazing family – Mum, Dad, and Mitch – for your unwavering support and belief in me.

“To the entire Tatiara Truck & Trailer crew, your mentorship and camaraderie have been crucial to my success. A special thank you to the Jenkin family for allowing me the opportunity to grow and learn with you.

“I also want to express my gratitude to Minister Blair Boyer and Cameron Baker for their support. Thank you all for being part of this journey with me.”

Sophie was born in Crystal Brook and raised in Murray Town, before ending up in Bordertown, where she relocated at the age of 17 to pursue her career aspirations in automotive electrical technology.

“The move represented a significant life change for me, requiring me to navigate the challenges of independent living and managing responsibilities away from my family and familiar surroundings,” Sophie said. “Despite the initial apprehension and adjustment period, I quickly embraced my new community in Bordertown, drawn to its supportive and tight-knit environment.

“I appreciate the sense of belonging and camaraderie within the community, which has provided me with a strong foundation for personal and professional development.”

Of course on top of dealing with relocating, Sophie was also embarking on a new chapter in her education and establishment of a career but her ability to be resilient, adaptable and embrace new experiences has helped her turn her school- based apprenticeship experience into a success story.

Sophie’s integration into Bordertown reflects her resilience, adaptability, and willingness to embrace new experiences, contributing to her sense of fulfillment and connection with her surroundings.

Her school-based traineeship is with Tatiara Truck & Trailers Pty Ltd (TTT) and her relationship with her employer reflects a harmonious collaboration built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

She has adopted a proactive approach to her apprenticeship, which has enabled her to seamlessly integrate into the workplace environment, where she consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a genuine enthusiasm for learning and growth.

Her employer, Tatiara Truck & Trailers, recognises Sophie’s exceptional talent and contribution, evident in her recognition with that 2023 South Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year accolade.

Through her hands-on proficiency, effective communication, and proactive mindset, Sophie has become an invaluable asset to Tatiara Truck & Trailers, embodying the qualities of a dedicated apprentice and a future leader in the automotive field.

“I was attracted to a school-based apprenticeship courtesy of my innate passion for the automotive industry and my desire to pursue a career aligned with her interests and rural background,” Sophie said. “Growing up in the Flinders Ranges, I was immersed in a family farming environment, which sparked my early interest in pursuing a career related to rural operations.”

She has always taken a proactive approach to career exploration and her aspiration to gain practical experience while completing her formal education and that has paid dividends.

“The transport industry, specifically working on trucks, captured my interest due to its hands-on nature and the opportunity to apply technical skills in a dynamic and challenging environment,” Sophie said.

That dedication has seen Sophie make significant strides in her journey towards becoming a skilled automotive electrician.

Starting with a Certificate III in Rural Operations during Year 10, Sophie seamlessly transitioned into a full-time apprenticeship in automotive electrical.

She has achieved exemplary results thus far and is now looking to further hone her skills and expertise in automotive electrical, with aspirations to become a respected leader and mentor within the industry.

“Through continuous learning and professional development, I aim to make meaningful contributions to the field while inspiring future generations of apprentices and technicians,” Sophie said.

Despite her young years she knows she already serves as an inspiring role model for other young people, especially females, considering a career in automotive electrical.

Sophie’s success challenges conventional norms and underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion within the workforce.

“I hope by advocating for alternative career paths and promoting the value of vocational education and apprenticeships, I can encourage young people to pursue their passions and embrace opportunities for hands-on learning and skill development,” Sophie said. “Through my leadership, mentorship, and advocacy efforts, I hope I can empower others to break barriers, defy expectations, and pursue fulfilling careers in non-traditional fields.”

The Young Achiever Awards have been in existence since 1988, with the purpose of acknowledging, encouraging and promoting the positive achievements of all young people up to and including 29 years of age.