General News
10 October, 2023
TAFE night-of-nights sees local winner
COBDEN-based apprentice Patrick McGillivray was named Carpentry Apprentice of the Year at South West TAFE’s annual Trades Awards night last week. More than 290 people attended the awards night last Thursday to acknowledge the outstanding...
COBDEN-based apprentice Patrick McGillivray was named Carpentry Apprentice of the Year at South West TAFE’s annual Trades Awards night last week.
More than 290 people attended the awards night last Thursday to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of students across the automotive, carpentry, cabinet making, electrical, engineering and plumbing trades.
Portland automotive apprentice Steven Mills won the overall award of Apprentice of the Year.
South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said it was important to recognise the skills of these students in the region.
“Awards like these highlight the amazing things our trades students and their employers are doing in our own community,” he said.
South West TAFE head of building, construction and smart technologies Chris Lawlor said he was pleased to be able to reward and recognise this year’s apprentices for their hard work.
“It’s great for the apprentices to hear about the achievements of each of our top award winners and be inspired to continue to achieve outstanding results,” he said.
As well as awards for the top students in each year level, commemorative awards were also presented to outstanding students dedicated to their trades.
Mr McGillivray, a third year carpentry apprentice with Roberts Builders, said he was pleased with the award.
“I’m feeling pleased, I wasn’t expecting it, there’s a few good chippies in the year,” he said.
“It’s a good feeling for sure.”
Mr McGillivray developed an interest in carpentry while attending Camperdown College.
“Throughout school I just loved woodwork and it just progressed from there,” he said.
“Thank you to Mark Roberts, South West TAFE and my parents for their support.”
Major award winners on the night were:
• Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Steven Mills (Portland Mechanical Services, Portland);
• Cabinet Making Apprentice of the Year: James Williams (Kustom Kitchens and WestVic Staffing Solutions, Portland)
• Carpentry Apprentice of the Year: Patrick McGillivray (Roberts Builders, Cobden)
• Electrotechnology Apprentice of the Year: Elliot Riley (Belmont Electrics, Warrnambool);
• Fabrication Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Harry Clark (Moose Engineering, Hamilton);
• Mechanical Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Tully Massey-Slee (Saputo Dairy Australia and WestVic Staffing Solutions, Warrnambool; and
• Plumbing Apprentice of the Year: Isaiah Mulley (Tim Wilken Plumbing, Hamilton)
