The brightest & best

The outstanding efforts of Limestone Coast Apprentices and Trainees have been recognised at Group Training Employment’s (GTE) annual Apprentice and Trainee of the Year Awards.

This year’s event on April 11, which recognised the outstanding efforts of Apprentices and Trainees employed by GTE (staff pictured) during 2023, also saw the introduction of the Women in Trades Award, recognising the outstanding efforts of a selected female Apprentice excelling in a non-traditional trade.

Welcoming the crowd of 80 guests, including Host Employers, Apprentices, Trainees and their families from across the region, long time GTE board member Barry Stafford emphasised the vital role employers play in the lives of young people.

“Completing a qualification is an invaluable tool for life and provides a great opportunity to become the next generation of employers and community leaders,” he said.

“Everyone here tonight has played a role in helping our award winners achieving that success. It’s about coming together as a team and building our community.”

GTE general manager Greg Megaw joined RDA Limestone Coast Board secretary Erika Vickery in presenting two local employers with the Host Employer of the Year Award – O’Brien Electrical and Brody’s Bricks.

“Here at GTE, we place a high value on the relationships we share with our Host Employers and in co-operation with Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast, we are proud to recognise the efforts of our Host Employers,” Mr Megaw said.

Speaking on behalf of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Stakeholder Engagement Officer Samantha Bennet spoke of GTE’s leadership and reputation for “best practice” in both the region and the South Australian construction industry, highlighting the loyalty and support shown to the organisation by their Host Employers.

Winners in all categories:

• First Year Apprentice of The Year – Craig Baker. Host Employer – the Barry Maney Group.

Award sponsored by GT Industrial Sales;

• Second Year Apprentice of The Year – Lochlan Thiele. Host Employer – Stuckey Electrical Contractors. Award sponsored by K&B Mitre 10;

• Third Year Apprentice of The Year – Hser Ku. Host Employer – Carlin & Gazzard. Award sponsored by Mount Gambier Safety Supplies;

• Fourth-Year Apprentice of The Year – Melissa Tilley. Host Employer – Andy’s Bakery. Award sponsored by People’s Choice Credit Union;

• Building Trades Apprentice of The Year – Josh Weedon. Host Employer – Trent Milich. Award sponsored by CITB;

• Trainee of The Year – Joint Winners, including Taylor Freeman. Host Employer – Bendigo Bank. Award sponsored by ANZ. Second winner: Sarah Taylor. Host Employer – Tenison Woods College. Award sponsored by MEGT;

• Ian Giles Memorial Award – Aaron Zerk. Host Employer – Sam McPherson Constructions. Award sponsored by GTE;

• Engineering Excellence Award – Lachlan Leake. Host Employer – DairyTechSE. Award sponsored by BOC Gas & Gear;

• Women in Trades Award – Ashleigh Elsworthy. Host Employer – Watle Range Council. Award sponsored by MAS National;

• Employer of the Year Award – Joint winners – O’Brien Electrical and Brody’s Bricks. Award sponsored by Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast.