2013 National Award winners

Excellence awards

Category

Company

State

Project

Domestic Residence

PBE Insurelec

VIC

3 Storey Domestic Dwelling

Small Contracting Business

Fibre Optics Design and Construct

NSW

Sydney Harbour Bridge Communications Network Upgrade

Energy Efficiency and Environment

Stowe Australia

QLD

Sir Samuel Griffith Centre

Workplace  Health and Safety

Blue Star

QLD

Company Nomination

Industrial Small Project

Stowe Australia

QLD

Abbot Point Water Augmentation

Industrial Large Project

ECM

WA

T155 Anderson Point Port Expansion

Voice Data

O’Donnell Griffin

ACT

DHS Primary Production Connectivity Project

Commercial Small Project

RCR O’Donnell Griffin

SA

Charlie’s Bar

Commercial Medium Project

PSG

TAS

Devonport Homemakers Centre/Fairbrother

Commercial Large Project

Star Group

NSW

Royal North Shore Hospital Redevelopment

Click here to view the National Excellence winner videos

 

Apprentice awards

Apprentices from all across the country gathered in Sydney to hear who had won the three awards: Industrial, Commercial/Domestic and Communications.

And the 2013 winners were:

From left to right: Kane Sturzebecher, Pat Mammone and Steven Granger.

From left to right: Kane Sturzebecher, Pat Mammone and Steven Granger.

Industrial

Placing Name State Employer/Host
WINNER Pat Mammone VIC Nilsen (Vic) Pty Ltd
2ND Daniel Lorca Vilches WA SCEE (Southern Cross Electrical Engineering)
EQUAL 3RD Blake Godwin NSW NECA Group Training    Host: Bass Electrical Engineering
EQUAL 3RD Kenneth Gosnold SA VIP Electrical Solutions

Commerical/Domestic

Placing Name State Employer/Host
WINNER Steven Granger VIC PA & WM Reilly Electrical Contractors
2ND Dominic Bailey WA Bon Electrics
EQUAL 3RD Nicholas Anderson SA Luke's Electrical Solutions

Communications

Placing Name State Employer/Host
WINNER Kane Sturzebecher SA APEX Communications
2ND Spiro Wassef NSW NECA Group Training   Host: Stowe Australia

 

School Student Awards

NECA is proud to announce the winners of the 2013 School Student Electrotechnology Awards.  These awards have two categories:
  • Innovation, and
  • Commitment to Industry.
And in both cases we have a winner and a runner-up.  The awards were presented at last week’s 2013 Apprentice Awards held in Sydney.
 
Category 1- Innovation winner:  Ben Thomas
Ben was part of the winning team for the 2013 RoboCup Jr National Championship in September.  In this competition students design and program two robots to compete against an opposing team by kicking an infra-red transmitting ball into their opponent’s goal.  Ben’s robots are the first in Australia to have their chassis produced by a 3D printer – which makes repairs much easier.  Plus Ben’s impressive solenoid kicker was deemed so powerful that the rules of the game had to be modified to prevent his team dominating the field.
Ben’s project scored an impressive 97% and here are some of the judges’ comments:
  • “Forcing a rule change shows inspirational thinking”
  • “Dedication with a desire to succeed; perfection would be second best for Ben”
  • “Demonstrated a passion for innovation using cutting edge technologies in the field of robotics and electronics”
Ben’s principal added that “Ben has exhibited high levels of self-motivation, initiative and amazing problem solving skills.”
 
Category 2- Commitment to Industry winner: Kenrick Everett
Kenrick has enormous passion for electrical engineering and electronics.  He uses his impressive talent to complete projects such as developing timing systems for the swimming carnivals and even programming the school server.   Plus he has a very impressive academic history having completed several university modules in addition to his school studies.  Kenrick received his first university High Distinction grade when he was in Year 8. 
Here are some of the judges’ comments:
  • “Kenrick has shown a life-long interest and commitment to electrotechnology”
  • “He is constantly challenging himself to put innovative ideas into practice”
  • “He is destined for a bright future”
His teacher added that “Kenrick is totally focussed on becoming an electrical and electronics engineer.  He comes up with very innovative ideas and projects which are well in advance of his years - in electronic and electrical knowledge.”

Trade Teachers Awards

We are delighted to announce that Kevin Stevens, an instructor at Training Coordinator NECA Skills Centre Victoria, was awarded the Trade Teacher of the Year Award for 2013 at a ceremony in Sydney last week.
Kevin has a long standing commitment to skills training with 40 years of experience across TAFE and 370 Degrees/NECA Skills Centre.  The judges were most impressed by Kevin’s dedication to offering flexible study options to his students.  He believes that training should be as hands-on and practical  as possible in order to meet the varying needs of students.
“Kevin is our most sought after tutor,” says David Bentley – Campus manager, Carlton North, Victoria.  “He is an asset to our team and a greatly respected member of staff.  We are very pleased to see him win this award.  And we know that our students will be equally pleased to see Kevin’s commitment recognised.”
These awards present a unique opportunity for passionate trade teachers to be recognised and rewarded for their commitment to developing the talent entering the electrical industry.  The most outstanding teacher receives a prize of $5000 and is invited to receive their award at the Annual National Apprentice Awards Ceremony in November.
Nominated teachers demonstrate their commitment to excellence in trade teaching by using innovative techniques to maximise the learning experience and outcomes for their students.
On behalf of our industry, we applaud Kevin, and thank him for his great contribution.