Four electrical apprentices – who have demonstrated consistent levels of excellence throughout their training, will be recognised by Australia’s peak electrical industry association, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), tonight at the annual Apprentice of the Year Awards, held at Crown Melbourne.

The event – with guest speaker Paul Salmon, a former Essendon and Hawthorn footballer, is the opportunity for the industry to officially recognise the talent of our top apprentices.  Paul will talk about how he linked his sporting and business life to help inspire the apprentices to get a good balance in their lives in order to achieve their life ambitions.

The judges concluded that this was an exceptional year and all the candidates they interviewed are a credit to themselves, their families and their employers.

Jonathan Dissanayake – from Abbotsford, employed by Downer Australia, was judged the best apprentice in the Commercial and Domestic Category.  This fourth year apprentice has shown dedication and determination to his studies and to his on-the-job competence.

“I am a proactive hard worker with a persistent dedication to furthering myself and excelling in the electrical industry.  I have completed three and a half years of my electrical apprenticeship with Downer in the commercial construction sector.  During this time I have experienced and developed a thorough understanding of the electrical trade”.

Benjamin Franklin – from Strathmore, and Ashley Smith – from Wattle Glen, shared the award for second place in the Commercial and Domestic Award.  The judges felt that they couldn’t choose between the two candidates (both of whom are employed by Nilsen (Vic).

Benjamin has shown himself to be a valuable member of the Nilsen team over the past four years.  He has worked on big and small projects in their Contracting Division.

“I have been given so many great opportunities to learn different aspects of our trade over the past three and a half years.  I want to continue studying either a certificate 4 in PLC and Motor Control or I will be looking at going to university to study a Bachelor of Business Management to help further my chances of becoming a future leader in the electrical industry”.

Ashley has worked on multiple projects during his apprenticeship.  He has shown his ability to work independently and take initiative with a wide range of tasks and this has been an asset to his employer.

“What really attracted me to the electrical trade is the sheer range of work within the profession.  I wanted a career that would challenge me and provide me with opportunities to develop within my areas of interest”.

Kendall Lloyd – from Mordialloc, and employed by Appselec, was judged the best apprentice in the Communications Award.  Kendall has become an integral part of the Appselec communications team.  Kendall is a highly motivated and dedicated individual and has displayed planning/co-ordination and communication skills along with technical knowledge beyond his four years as an apprentice.

“Throughout my apprenticeship I have been exposed to an extensive range of projects – with a heavy focus on communications.  Through many different experiences I have been able to work on a number of different wiring systems and have learnt the correct way to not only run and fit off the systems but also commission them as well.”

Executive Director of NECA Victoria, Mr Kevin McCosh, said the judges were highly impressed with the development of all four award winning apprentices.

“To be named Apprentice of the Year in their individual categories is something Jonathan and Kendall in particular should be very proud of.  While there is only one winner in each category it must be said that to make the finals in these awards means they are all winners and in most cases there was only one or two points separating the winner from second and third place,” Mr. McCosh added.

“The judges compared the academic achievements and on-the-job accomplishments from all of the submissions and decided that these two were the best performing apprentices in Victoria.   The apprentice awards are also held to recognise the important role employers play in training apprentices.  It is also important to remember that it is not only the apprentices and training institutions working to build skills in our industry.  Many businesses like Nilsen, Downer and Appselec engage apprentices and provide them with the support and opportunities they need to develop the practical component of their trade.  Without the assistance of the business community apprentices would not get the on-the-job training that is so important to the electrical and communications industry,” Mr McCosh concluded.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications
E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au
D 02 9962 6904
M 0457 767 328

Kevin McCosh– Executive Director NECA Victoria
E kevin.mccosh@neca.asn.au
T 03 9645 5533
M 0450 657 337

Andrew Jefferies – National Policy and Submissions
E andrew.jefferies@neca.asn.au
D 02 9962 6903
M 0458 726 355