Castlemaine Rotary showcased ten apprentices and trainees last Wednesday June 7 as part of the 2023 Castlemaine Rotary Apprentice & Trainee Awards.
At a packed event at the Cumberland Hotel attended by the nominees, employers and proud family members, Rotary Club President Grant Thomas celebrated the excellence of the apprentices and the local workplaces that provide them with strong values and valuable learning.
Guest speaker Helen Butcher reflected on the value of the trades and the importance of networks and local businesses to provide employment for our young people.
Helen and husband Trevor have employed many apprentices over their years in business and she encouraged the young people in the audience to engage with the people around them.
“Be aware of who you are following, who is supporting you, and who you are leading.”
When announcing the awards, Vocational Services Director, Vin Cappy, said that given the high calibre of the nominees the judges had a difficult time narrowing down the field to just one.
“They all presented extremely well in the interviews and demonstrated great pride in their work, however, there was one compelling nomination that stood out,” he said.
That worthy winner was KW Thompsons Transport apprentice Griffin Day.
“We have been in the transport industry for 50+ years and have had many mechanics come through our workplace. But never have we come across an apprentice as dedicated and hard working as Griffin,” stated Keith and Scott Thompson in their nomination.
A clearly delighted Griffin was awarded the $1,000 prize.
Highly Commended Awards of $250 were presented to Caleb Betts nominated by David Anderson Plumbing & Gasfitting, and Andrew McCartney nominated by Kowelec Electrical Services.
A $50 encouragement voucher provided by HALT Australia was presented to the remaining nominees James McDougal (Rural and Outdoors), Dalton Williams and Kaine Fleeton (Maine Plumbing), Jack Waters and Max Chapman (Kowelec), Andrew Clover (Don KR) and James Kerr (Parsons Motor & Body Shop) ensuring that everyone went home smiling.
“Our future is in good hands,” Rotary President Grant Thomas said.