Electrical apprentice wins top award in virtual event

This year’s virtual awards night acknowledged the outstanding achievements of students across automotive, carpentry, cabinet making, electrical, engineering and plumbing trades.

COVID restrictions meant the usual awards ceremony could not take place but South West TAFE was committed to producing an engaging virtual event to celebrate the hard work the students have put in this year.

Winning the overall award, Jos was recognised for his growth and improvement and excellence in his studies and work.

Jos is employed by Leahy’s Electrical Services and also won best fourth year electrical apprentice and the Jim Leahy Commemorative Award on the night.

Jos now has the opportunity to go forward to the Victorian Training Awards where the best students from the state’s TAFE and training sector are awarded across a range of different categories.

South West TAFE CEO Mark Fidge said while it was disappointing the event couldn’t take place in person, this year it was more important than ever to recognise both the success of current students and their employers.

He said it was pleasing to see so many students commit to their studies and achieve fantastic results.

South West TAFE teaching manager Chris Lawlor said the awards night was about rewarding students for their dedication and hard work throughout the year.

“It’s great for the students 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.

Major award winners on the night included:

• Best third year automotive apprentice: Hayden Stares (Vogels Motors, Simpson).
• Best third year cabinet making apprentice: Fabian Rarere (AKC Kitchens, Koroit).
• Best third year carpentry apprentice: Troy Jensen (MD & SM Ruge Building & Renovations, Portland).
• Best fourth year electrotechnology apprentice: Jos Medley (Leahy’s Electrical Services, Warrnambool).
• Best third year fabrication engineering apprentice: Jack Cocks (Port of Portland).
• Best third year mechanical engineering apprentice: Darcy Holmes (RK Holmes, Tyrendarra).
• Best third year plumbing apprentice: Benjamin Huf (Turlands Plumbing, Warrnambool).

“These awards are given to students who are enthusiastic, dedicated and committed to a future in the trade,” Mr Lawlor said.

Watch the Trades Awards below